Misleading Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—such as the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.
Consequences on Daily Life
Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph might be manipulated to support malicious comments.
"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.
Defendants and Charges
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.
Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.
If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Effect on Relatives
Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".
She explained, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."
Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, such as the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."
Legal Battle Background
The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is a man.
They have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.
The legal filing states that the claim is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
During the trial, some of the accused disputed the charges.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
- Another individual explained he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their union has long been a point of interest online.
The first lady, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.
Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her separation.
She finished her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.