🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to how she stands, as a result of the concern that any image might be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, including her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused denied the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest on the internet.

She, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

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

Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.