🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the fear that every photograph may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

They have also filed a case in America over false statements against a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is really her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual said he shared posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction to some extent because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.