Misleading Claims Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that every photograph may be misused to support malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Accusations
The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.
All is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this included equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.
Family Impact
Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She explained, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."
Auzière emphasized the impact on loved ones, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is continually facing this abuse."
Legal Battle History
The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that she was male.
They have pursued a case in America for defamation targeting a media personality who spread the claim.
The case states that the claim is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.
- An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
- A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
- Another individual testified he shared posts because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
She, who is two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.
Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.