Inaccurate Assertions on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs Court
The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.
She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse against the first lady.
Impact on Everyday Activities
Auzière explained that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot might be distorted to fuel malicious comments.
"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in her daily life," Auzière told the court.
Those on Trial and Accusations
Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.
Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.
Effect on Relatives
She, a daughter from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".
She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."
Auzière emphasized the impact on her relatives, such as the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly facing this abuse."
Judicial Proceedings History
The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.
The couple have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the allegation.
The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.
Trial Testimonies
During the trial, several defendants rejected the charges.
- An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
- Another defendant stated that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
- A third defendant explained he disseminated posts as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".
Personal History
The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their marriage has long been a point of interest on the internet.
The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.
The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, after her separation.
Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.