🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, such as the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was male.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a media personality who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual explained he posted posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at his school.

Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her divorce.

She finished her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.