False Claims Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Court

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that each snapshot might be misused to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that she was a man.

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

The case states that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is in fact her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals denied the allegations.

  • An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
  • A fiction writer argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
  • A third defendant testified he posted information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's gender circulated partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.

Ryan Cummings
Ryan Cummings

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that shape Las Vegas, bringing over a decade of experience in local news reporting.