🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to comparing the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, including the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The case states that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants denied the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after her separation.

She finished her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.