🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment against her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph may be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to equating her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The case clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual said he shared posts as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they married in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.