🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of online harassment against her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph may be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that she was transgender.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The case clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he posted information since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity circulated in part because their marriage has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than her husband, first met him when working as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for the first lady.