Misleading Claims on Social Media Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Informs the Tribunal

Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the concern that any image may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that she is a man.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America over false statements against a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

  • A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
  • A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
  • An art gallery owner explained he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than the president, first met him when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.

Carolyn Brewer
Carolyn Brewer

Maya Rodriguez is a business strategist with over 10 years of experience in digital transformation, helping companies innovate and grow in competitive markets.