🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed 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 digital bullying against her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this involved linking the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they married in that year, following her divorce.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.