🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment against her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk this to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who spread the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he posted posts since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's gender spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after her divorce.

She wrapped up her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.