🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image might be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

All is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, including the kids hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated content as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about the first lady's sex spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her divorce.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.