Misleading Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations online—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that every photograph could be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she stated. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a media personality who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant said he posted content as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her divorce.

She wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.