🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, including her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that any image could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, including the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because their union has long been a point of interest online.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when serving as a educator at his school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after her separation.

She wrapped up her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.