🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the baseless theory that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the fear that every photograph might be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial 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 visible.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."

She emphasized the effects on the family, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly male.

The couple have initiated a case in America for defamation involving a media personality who promoted the theory.

The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.