A French court has heard that alleged cyber-bullying of Brigitte Macron, the wife of President Emmanuel Macron, had a devastating impact on her mental health and daily life. The allegations, which have been circulating online for years, accuse Mrs Macron of being a transgender woman.
Tiphaine Auzière, the president's 41-year-old step-daughter, has told the court that she witnessed firsthand how these baseless claims affected her mother's well-being. According to Ms Auzière, Brigitte Macron's life has "deteriorated" significantly since the online attacks began. The young woman described how her mother was constantly on edge and had become increasingly reclusive as a result of the relentless barrage of sexist comments.
Ms Auzière also spoke about how these attacks had affected not just her mother, but also their grandchildren. She stated that they were being bullied at school over their connection to Brigitte Macron, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of such baseless online harassment.
The trial, which is ongoing in Paris, accuses 10 individuals of spreading unsubstantiated claims about Mrs Macron's gender and sexuality. Those on trial include a politician, a gallery owner, a teacher, and an internet fortune-teller.
One defendant, Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, claimed he was a "satirist" who had merely wanted to express his opinions in a different way. However, prosecutors have argued that his actions were reckless and contributed to the spread of false information about Mrs Macron.
Brigitte Macron has already taken action against one person responsible for these claims, taking US right-wing influencer Candace Owens to court over her accusations. The Macrons plan to present photographic and scientific evidence in support of their case.
The case highlights the growing concern of online harassment and its impact on individuals' mental health and daily lives.
Tiphaine Auzière, the president's 41-year-old step-daughter, has told the court that she witnessed firsthand how these baseless claims affected her mother's well-being. According to Ms Auzière, Brigitte Macron's life has "deteriorated" significantly since the online attacks began. The young woman described how her mother was constantly on edge and had become increasingly reclusive as a result of the relentless barrage of sexist comments.
Ms Auzière also spoke about how these attacks had affected not just her mother, but also their grandchildren. She stated that they were being bullied at school over their connection to Brigitte Macron, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of such baseless online harassment.
The trial, which is ongoing in Paris, accuses 10 individuals of spreading unsubstantiated claims about Mrs Macron's gender and sexuality. Those on trial include a politician, a gallery owner, a teacher, and an internet fortune-teller.
One defendant, Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, claimed he was a "satirist" who had merely wanted to express his opinions in a different way. However, prosecutors have argued that his actions were reckless and contributed to the spread of false information about Mrs Macron.
Brigitte Macron has already taken action against one person responsible for these claims, taking US right-wing influencer Candace Owens to court over her accusations. The Macrons plan to present photographic and scientific evidence in support of their case.
The case highlights the growing concern of online harassment and its impact on individuals' mental health and daily lives.
This whole thing is just wild... like, how can one person's thoughts be so toxic that they affect someone else's life to this extent? I mean, Brigitte Macron has been through all this for years now and it's like she's living in a constant state of anxiety 
. And the fact that her step-daughter is talking about how their kids are being bullied over it too... that just breaks my heart 
. It's like we're witnessing something very much larger than ourselves - the impact our words can have on someone else's life.
. Like, did they ever stop to think about the harm they might be causing? It's like, we all know that online harassment can be devastating, but do we really ever take action against it? 
. The fact that their kids are being bullied at school over it too is just heartbreaking 
. We need to be more careful with what we post online, 'cause the consequences can be real 
. Can't believe this kind of drama is still happening in 2025 
.
... and now their kids are getting bullied over it too? that's just heartbreaking... I mean, online harassment is one thing, but when we let it bleed into our personal lives like this... what even is the point of having a private life anymore? 
and these people who are doing it, they're not even acknowledging the harm they're causing... Aurélien Poirson-Atlan just says he's a satirist, but satire's supposed to be commentary on society, not personal attacks 
... what we need is more empathy, not less 
she's been through so much already with her hubby Emmanuel and now this cyber bullying is just taking it to a whole new level 
. And the fact that she was bullied by kids at school because of who she is... *shakes head* it's just too much. The trial should definitely show them what's what 
ughhh i cant even right now thinking about whats happnin 2 brigitte macron she's always been so strong & independent but these cyberbullies gotta be stopped 1 def needs 2 b held accountable 4 their actions its not ok 2 make someone's life worse like thats 2 much 4 anyone 10 people r on trial already 4 spreading lies & rumors about her & now they wanna say hes a satirist lol no way cant believe dat guy 
That's just heartbreaking. I feel for her and her family, they must be living in constant anxiety and fear. Can't we all just respect each other's boundaries online? 
And what's up with Brigitte Macron taking someone to court over it? Isn't she just trying to silence dissenting opinions instead of addressing actual harm?
. And Candace Owens, of all people, getting taken down by Brigitte for making baseless claims? Karma's a beautiful thing 
. This trial better be a real slap in the face for all those who've been spreading hate speech 
.
. and the fact that some of them are even getting away with it online, spreading this toxic crap to whoever will listen... it's just so wild.
.