Misleading Assertions Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that any image may be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they married in the following year, following her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.