Inaccurate Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Judges
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at her mother.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot could be manipulated to support hateful attacks.
"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while others were more visible.
Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."
Legal Battle Background
The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was a man.
The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.
The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.
- One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
- An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".
Past Context
The false theory regarding the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his school.
The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after her separation.
She concluded her testimony by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.