🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, from her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that any image might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, including the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he shared posts because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

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

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.