🔗 Share this article

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment targeting her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that each snapshot could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that she was male.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a media personality who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's sex spread in part because their marriage has often been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after her separation.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.