🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse against her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

She emphasized the impact on loved ones, including the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is continually facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is male.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex gained traction in part because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is two decades older than the president, initially encountered the future president when she was a educator at his school.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they married in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.