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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while others were better known.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that the first lady was male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual testified he posted content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their union has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.