Tiphaine Auzière, the daughter of French first lady Brigitte Macron, testified in a Paris court that her mother suffers from ‘deep anxiety’ due to persistent false claims about her gender, as ten individuals face trial for online harassment. This case highlights the severe personal impact of disinformation campaigns on public figures and their families, underscoring the broader challenges of cyberbullying in the digital age.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Auzière, 41, addressed the court, revealing that her mother is harassed weekly by baseless allegations questioning her gender. She described how Brigitte Macron must constantly monitor her appearance and behavior to avoid having her image distorted and weaponized online. The first lady’s mental health has deteriorated significantly, with medical assessments supporting claims of anxiety, and she now avoids reading social media posts about the false narratives.
The trial involves eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, accused of spreading ‘malicious comments’ about Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality, as well as falsely characterizing the age difference between her and President Emmanuel Macron as ‘pedophilia.’ Defendants include an elected official, a gallery owner, an IT specialist, a teacher, a property manager, and a business owner, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those involved in the online attacks.
This legal action stems from a complaint filed by Brigitte Macron’s lawyer in August 2024, which led to arrests in February and March 2025. Prosecutors emphasized that the harassment has created a toxic environment, affecting not only the first lady but also her family, including grandchildren who hear the damaging claims. Auzière expressed her mother’s distress over the inability to stop the rumors and their widespread circulation.
Among the defendants is Aurélien Poirson-Atlan, a 41-year-old advertising executive who used the pseudonym ‘Zoé Sagan’ on social media. His X account, now suspended, has been linked to multiple complaints and is often associated with conspiracy theories, illustrating how disinformation can gain traction through influential online personas. The trial is expected to last two days, with a verdict likely soon, and convictions could result in up to two years in prison.
The Paris case is connected to a separate defamation lawsuit filed by the Macrons in Delaware, USA, against right-wing podcaster Candace Owens. Owens promoted the gender conspiracy theory in a YouTube video titled ‘Is France’s First Lady a Man?’ and amplified it on X, calling it potentially ‘the biggest scandal in political history.’ Her videos, including a series called ‘Becoming Brigitte,’ have reached millions of subscribers, exacerbating the harassment.
This trial underscores the legal and emotional battles faced by public figures against cyberbullying, with implications for how similar cases might be handled globally. The testimony has drawn attention to the need for stronger measures to combat disinformation and protect individuals from online abuse, as the personal costs extend beyond the targeted individual to their entire support network.
As the case concludes, it may set precedents for addressing online harassment in France and beyond, potentially influencing future legislation and enforcement. The outcome will be closely watched by advocates for digital rights and those concerned with the intersection of free speech and harmful falsehoods in the internet era.