False Allegations on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Court

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph may be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, including her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

They have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is really her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

  • A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
  • A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
  • A third defendant testified he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their union has often been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.

Joseph Harris
Joseph Harris

A film critic and entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience covering Hollywood and indie cinema.