Misleading Allegations on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Judges

Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment targeting her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

She pointed out the effects on loved ones, including the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

  • A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
  • A fiction writer stated that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "free speech".
  • A third defendant explained he shared content since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's gender spread in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.

Vickie Franklin
Vickie Franklin

Financial analyst specializing in precious metals with over a decade of market experience.