🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America over false statements targeting a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he posted content as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because their marriage has often been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his school.

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.