Misleading Assertions on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.
Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of online harassment against the first lady.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her attire to her posture, due to the concern that every photograph might be distorted to advance hateful attacks.
"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she told the court.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.
Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She testified, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."
Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, including the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these attacks."
Court Case Background
This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly a man.
They have pursued a case in America alleging slander targeting a media personality who spread the allegation.
The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually her older brother.
Accused Individuals' Statements
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.
- One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
- A well-known publicist stated that his posts were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant explained he disseminated posts since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Past Context
The false theory concerning the first lady's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.
The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.
Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière concluded her account by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.
