🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment against the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot may be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were better known.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk this to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he shared posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, aged significantly older than her husband, originally knew him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.