False Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Judges

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the kids hearing hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the charges.

  • A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
  • Another defendant argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
  • Another individual said he posted content because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.

Erica Neal
Erica Neal

A technology strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and global systems analysis.