🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the concern that each snapshot may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in her daily life," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, such as the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that the first lady was male.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused denied the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.