🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations online—such as the baseless theory that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while others were more visible.

All is charged with 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 could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Court Case Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he disseminated information since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, originally knew him when she was a educator at his school.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after her separation.

She finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.