False Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs Judges

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying directed at her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the impact on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the accusations.

  • An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
  • A fiction writer argued that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
  • A third defendant explained he shared content since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when working as a educator at his school.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.

Leslie Norris
Leslie Norris

Lena Schmidt is a senior industrial engineer with over 15 years of experience in automation and process optimization, specializing in sustainable manufacturing practices.