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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the fear that any image might be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved equating her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, such as her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant said he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender gained traction partly because their marriage has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than her husband, originally knew him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.