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French First Lady’s Daughter to Testify in Cyber-Harassment Trial
The daughter of Brigitte Macron is scheduled to testify Tuesday in a Paris court where ten people face charges of cyber-harassment against the French First Lady over false gender claims. Tiphaine Auzière will appear on the second day of proceedings in a case that has highlighted the intersection of conspiracy theories, social media amplification, and personal privacy.
The trial stems from a complaint filed by Brigitte Macron in August 2024, leading to an investigation and arrests in December 2024 and February 2025. The defendants—eight men and two women, aged 41 to 65—could face up to two years in prison if convicted of spreading unfounded claims that the 72-year-old First Lady was assigned male at birth.
This trial represents the latest chapter in a years-long battle against misinformation that has plagued the Macrons since Emmanuel Macron’s election as president in 2017. The false claims, which have targeted the couple alongside criticism of their 25-year age gap, have been widely circulated in both far-right and conspiracy theory circles in France and abroad.
Brigitte Macron told investigators the rumors have deeply affected her family, particularly her grandchildren, who were told their grandmother was a man. The First Lady herself has not attended the trial proceedings.
Among the defendants is Aurelien Poirson-Atlan, a 41-year-old publicist known on social media as “Zoe Sagan” who has ties to conspiracy theory communities. Speaking on the sidelines of Monday’s proceedings, Poirson-Atlan claimed he was the victim of harassment rather than the perpetrator.
Other defendants have framed their actions as exercises in free speech. Jerome C., 55, told the court he was merely exercising his right to “freedom of speech” and “satire” when posting or re-posting content about Macron on social media. Similarly, Bertrand S., 56, claimed the day before the trial that it targeted his “freedom to think” in the face of what he called the “media deep state.”
The case has notable connections to previous legal challenges. One defendant, Delphine J., a 51-year-old self-proclaimed spiritual medium who uses the pseudonym Amandine Roy, was previously the subject of a libel complaint filed by Brigitte Macron in 2022. In 2021, Delphine J. posted a four-hour YouTube interview with self-described independent journalist Natacha Rey, alleging that Brigitte Macron, whose maiden name is Trogneux, had once been a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux—who is actually her brother’s name.
While Delphine J. and Rey were initially ordered to pay damages to Brigitte Macron and her brother in 2024, the conviction was later overturned on appeal. The First Lady has since taken the case to France’s highest appeals court. During Monday’s proceedings, Delphine J. refused to address the court, stating she had already spoken extensively on the matter.
The false narratives have transcended French borders. In July, the presidential couple filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative podcaster Candace Owens, who produced a series titled “Becoming Brigitte” that promoted the same false claims. According to their U.S. attorney, the Macrons plan to offer “scientific” evidence and photographs proving the First Lady is not transgender. Several of the Paris defendants shared Owens’ content.
The case highlights growing concerns about online misinformation and its real-world impact on individuals, as well as the challenges of addressing cyber-harassment in an increasingly polarized digital landscape where conspiracy theories can quickly gain traction and cause lasting personal harm.
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16 Comments
This trial represents an important step in holding perpetrators accountable for the real-world harm caused by their actions. I hope it serves as a precedent for better protecting public figures and private individuals from cyberbullying.
The 25-year age gap between the Macrons has also been the target of criticism, which further underscores the need to address the underlying biases and misogyny that can drive these types of attacks.
The false claims against the French First Lady are deeply concerning and a violation of her privacy. I hope the trial sheds light on the tactics used to amplify and spread this misinformation, and leads to effective deterrents.
Conspiracy theories and online harassment often go hand-in-hand. This case illustrates the need for better education and digital literacy to help people navigate the online landscape more critically.
This is a complex issue with broader implications around online misinformation and the protection of personal privacy. I’m curious to see how the trial unfolds and what lessons can be learned to address these challenges.
The fact that this has been an ongoing issue for the Macrons since 2017 is troubling. I hope this trial can help put an end to these unfounded claims and provide some recourse for the family.
While I understand the desire to hold public figures accountable, spreading unsubstantiated claims about someone’s gender identity crosses a line. I hope the trial leads to meaningful consequences for the perpetrators.
Cyberbullying and online harassment are serious problems that can have real-world impacts. This case highlights the need for stronger legal protections and social media moderation to address these issues.
This trial is an important step in addressing the intersection of conspiracy theories, social media, and personal privacy. I hope it leads to a better understanding of how to combat the spread of misinformation and protect vulnerable individuals.
The fact that these false claims have been circulating for years is deeply troubling. I hope the trial can provide some closure for the Macron family and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The intersection of conspiracy theories, social media, and personal privacy is a troubling trend we’ve seen far too often. This case underscores the real-world consequences and the urgent need for more effective safeguards.
False gender claims can have devastating impacts, both for the individual targeted and for broader societal attitudes. I hope this trial sends a clear message that this type of harassment will not be tolerated.
The false gender claims against Brigitte Macron are not only a violation of her privacy but also contribute to broader societal attitudes that can harm transgender and non-binary individuals. I hope this trial leads to meaningful change.
Spreading misinformation online is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. I’m glad to see the authorities taking this case seriously and hope it sets a precedent for stronger action against cyberbullying.
This is a concerning case that highlights the serious impacts of online harassment and misinformation. I hope the trial brings some accountability and raises awareness of the need for stronger protections against cyberbullying.
Spreading unfounded claims about someone’s gender identity is a clear violation of their privacy and human rights. I’m glad the authorities are taking this issue seriously.