🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the groundless claim that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot could be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is male.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is in fact her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding the first lady's gender gained traction to some extent because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.

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

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.