🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that every photograph may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's initial union, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, such as the kids learning about hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation against a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual said he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex spread partly because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her separation.

Auzière concluded her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.