False Assertions on Social Media Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Testifies to Court

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot might be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while others were more visible.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

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

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that she is a man.

They have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he posted information since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated partly because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.