🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that every photograph may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

All is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, including the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he posted posts because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.