Misleading Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Judges
The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of online harassment against the first lady.
Impact on Personal Routine
She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that every photograph might be distorted to support negative campaigns.
"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.
Accused Individuals and Charges
Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.
Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.
Consequences for Loved Ones
She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".
She testified, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."
She pointed out the impact on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She does not know how to end it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."
Legal Battle Background
The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was male.
The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.
The case asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is really her older brother.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, some of the accused disputed the charges.
- An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
- A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
- An art gallery owner explained he disseminated posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".
Relationship Background
The false theory concerning the first lady's sex spread in part because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.
She, who is two decades older than the president, first met him when working as a instructor at his school.
Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after her marriage dissolution.
Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.