Inaccurate Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells Judges
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against her mother.
Impact on Daily Life
Auzière testified that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she told the court.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.
Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière emphasized the impact on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings Background
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender.
The Macrons have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the theory.
The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the allegations.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual said he shared posts since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".
Personal History
The false theory regarding the first lady's sex gained traction partly because their union has often been a topic of comment online.
She, being significantly older than her husband, initially encountered him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.
Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
She finished her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.