False Allegations on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to Judges

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, including her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that any image may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron is male.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is actually her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity circulated in part because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at his school.

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

She finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.