🔗 Share this article Misleading Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Judges Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life. She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting her mother. Consequences on Daily Life Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that any image may be misused to fuel malicious comments. "The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court. Defendants and Accusations The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while several more were better known. All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons. If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration. Family Impact Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness". She said, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her." She highlighted the effects on the family, including the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is actually a man". "She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks." Judicial Proceedings Context The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender. They have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation. The legal filing states that the claim is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother. Accused Individuals' Statements During the trial, some of the accused disputed the charges. One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his social media content as humorous. Another defendant claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "free speech". Another individual testified he shared content because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France". Personal History The false theory regarding the first lady's sex circulated in part because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment online. Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his school. Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her divorce. She wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.