🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was a man.

They have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual testified he posted content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's gender spread partly because their marriage has long been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, first met the future president when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.