🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations online—including the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that any image might be misused to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing these claims to her."

She emphasized the effects on the family, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron is a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The legal filing states that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex spread partly because their marriage has long been a point of interest online.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.