🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the concern that any image might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."

She emphasized the impact on her relatives, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that the first lady is transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• An individual, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant said he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest online.

She, being two decades older than the president, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her account by saying that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.