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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their marriage has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than her husband, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.