🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that any image could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face up to two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She highlighted the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that the first lady was a man.

The couple have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who promoted the theory.

The case states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he shared posts because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender spread partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, who is significantly older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.