Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Tells the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her attire to her posture, due to the apprehension that any image may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on her relatives, including her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements against a political commentator who spread the theory.

The case states that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual said he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than the president, first met the future president when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.