False Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, including the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The case clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is really her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual explained he shared content because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory regarding the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.