Misleading Allegations on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims online—among them the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting her mother.
Effects on Personal Routine
Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that each snapshot may be distorted to support malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.
Those on Trial and Accusations
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.
Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.
Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in jail.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".
"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings Background
This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.
They have initiated a case in America for defamation against a media personality who amplified the allegation.
The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.
- An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
- A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant explained he shared content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because their union has long been a point of interest online.
She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his school.
Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.
She wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.