🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying targeting her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image may be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

She emphasized the impact on the family, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The case clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Defendants' Responses

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

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when working as a educator at his school.

Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her separation.

She concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.