🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, because of the apprehension that each snapshot might be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual testified he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

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

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.