🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image might be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case against the baseless theory that she is transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation against a media personality who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, stated 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 meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he posted information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, who is two decades older than the president, originally knew the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they married in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.