🔗 Share this article

The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the concern that any image might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to linking her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Background

This case is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was a man.

They have initiated a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant explained he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, being 24 years older than her husband, first met the future president when she was a educator at his school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.