🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image could be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is male.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because their union has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.