Misleading Claims Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Testifies to the Tribunal

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for online harassment targeting her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that every photograph might be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person fails to mention the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that she was a man.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has long been a point of interest online.

She, being two decades older than the president, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her account by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.