False Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Judges
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.
She, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.
Impact on Everyday Activities
She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.
"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she testified.
Accused Individuals and Allegations
The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.
All is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.
If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in prison.
Consequences for Loved Ones
Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".
She testified, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."
She emphasized the effects on loved ones, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."
Court Case History
This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that the first lady was a man.
They have initiated a case in America alleging slander against a political commentator who promoted the theory.
The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is really her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the accusations.
- A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
- A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner testified he shared content as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".
Personal History
The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.
Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.
Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.
She concluded her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.