Inaccurate Allegations Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her attire to how she stands, as a result of the concern that any image may be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants rejected the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared information as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's identity spread in part because their marriage has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.

She wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.