🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot might be distorted to support negative campaigns.

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

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

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

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, including her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady was transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual testified he shared content since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated to some extent because their marriage has long been a point of interest online.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, first met him when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.