False Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of internet-based abuse against her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to her posture, because of the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

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

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The case asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated content since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender spread partly because their union has long been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, being significantly older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.