Misleading Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Informs Court

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment against her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the fear that any image could be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

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

Auzière highlighted the impact on loved ones, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the false claim that the first lady was male.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused denied the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he shared content as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, being significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.