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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that any image could be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Background

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.

They have pursued a case in America for defamation targeting a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following her separation.

She wrapped up her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.