Misleading Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to Judges

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that any image may be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was male.

The couple have initiated a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, some of the accused denied the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.