🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying against her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from her attire to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot could be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this included equating the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual said he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex spread partly because their marriage has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they married in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.