Misleading Assertions on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells Court

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that each snapshot may be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, 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 her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

  • A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
  • A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
  • Another individual explained he shared information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity spread in part because their marriage has often been a point of interest on the internet.

She, aged significantly older than the president, originally knew the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.

Bradley Moran
Bradley Moran

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on society.