Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims online—including the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse against the first lady.
Consequences on Personal Routine
Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that each snapshot could be distorted to support negative campaigns.
"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.
Defendants and Charges
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.
All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to comparing her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Family Impact
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her."
She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".
"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."
Court Case Background
This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly a man.
They have initiated a case in America over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.
The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is actually her brother.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, a few individuals disputed the allegations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
- Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "free speech".
- Another individual explained he posted information because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.
The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, originally knew him when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.
Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.
Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.