The daughter of France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron testified in a Paris court about the negative impact of relentless online harassment and false theories on her mother’s well-being and daily life.
Speaking at the trial where 10 individuals are accused of spreading baseless claims, Tiphaine Auzire, 41, condemned the “sexist cyberbullying” targeting her mother, which falsely asserts that Brigitte Macron was born male, leading to a noticeable decline in the 72-year-old’s health.
“I feel it’s crucial to be present today to shed light on the suffering my mother has endured. I have witnessed a decline in her health since these attacks began,” Auzire stated.
During her testimony, Auzire explained how her mother has been compelled to meticulously manage her public appearances. “She is constantly under scrutiny for her attire and demeanor, as she is aware that her image can be distorted,” she informed the court.
“Despite not holding an elected position or asking for anything, she remains a target,” Auzire emphasized, mentioning that even Brigitte Macron’s grandchildren faced taunts at their schools due to the rumors.
The trial follows a defamation lawsuit filed in the U.S. by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife against right-wing figure Candace Owens for spreading falsehoods about the French first lady’s gender. The couple has long been plagued by this rumor and criticism of their age difference.
The 10 defendants, consisting of eight men and two women aged between 41 and 60, are facing charges in a Paris criminal court for disseminating defamatory statements regarding Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality. Some even equated her age gap with President Macron to “pedophilia.” French prosecutors are seeking suspended prison sentences ranging from three to 12 months and fines up to €8,000 ($9,300) for the accused individuals, including a local official, a teacher, and a social media influencer known for spreading conspiracy theories.
Brigitte Macron, who was not present at the trial, lodged a complaint in August 2024 after enduring years of online harassment alleging that she was born male. These rumors, which surfaced during President Macron’s 2017 campaign, have been amplified by far-right networks in France and internationally.