Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that each snapshot might be misused to support hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Charges
The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.
All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".
She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."
Legal Battle Background
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.
The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.
The case states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the allegations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as satirical.
- Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- Another individual testified he disseminated information because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".
Past Context
The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.
She, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.
Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
She concluded her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.