Misleading Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was male.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the theory.

The legal filing states that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their union has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, originally knew the future president when she was a instructor at his school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière concluded her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.