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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the baseless theory 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 witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that any image might be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when an individual does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is transgender.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The legal filing states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the allegations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual testified he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, originally knew the future president when working as a teacher at his school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière finished her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.