🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment against her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, including her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a media personality who amplified the claim.

The case states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual explained he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest online.

She, being significantly older than the president, first met him when working as a instructor at his school.

The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

She concluded her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.