🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Allegations Online Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells Judges Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of digital bullying targeting her mother. Impact on Daily Life Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to her posture, because of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to support hateful attacks. "The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges. Defendants and Accusations The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent. Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels. If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration. Effect on Relatives She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness". She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone fails to mention these claims to her." She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male". "She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults." Judicial Proceedings History This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that she was male. They have also filed a case in America alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory. The lawsuit states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually her sibling. Defendants' Responses In court, a few individuals denied the accusations. An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as ironic. Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression". Another individual explained he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France". Relationship Background The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because their union has often been a topic of comment online. The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended. Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, after her separation. Auzière concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.