🔗 Share this article Misleading Assertions Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Daughter Tells Court The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron. Impact on Personal Routine She testified that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that each snapshot might be distorted to support negative campaigns. "The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified. Defendants and Allegations The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent. Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included linking the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms. Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in prison. Family Impact She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence". She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her." She pointed out the effects on her relatives, for example the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather". "She does not know how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks." Judicial Proceedings Context The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male. They have also filed a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim. The case clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is really her brother. Accused Individuals' Statements During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations. A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous. Another defendant argued that his posts were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "free speech". A third defendant explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation". Relationship Background The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest on the internet. She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at the institution he attended. The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, after her marriage dissolution. Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.