🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the fear that every photograph could be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

All is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, such as the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual testified he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.