Misleading Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal
Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.
Consequences on Everyday Activities
Auzière explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot could be misused to support malicious comments.
"The result is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," she testified.
Defendants and Accusations
Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.
Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.
Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.
Family Impact
She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".
She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention the issue to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".
"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."
Judicial Proceedings History
This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.
The couple have initiated a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who promoted the claim.
The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is in fact her sibling.
Defendants' Responses
During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations.
- One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
- Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
- A third defendant said he shared content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".
Past Context
The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.
She, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when she was a educator at his school.
Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her divorce.
She finished her statement by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.