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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that each snapshot could be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included linking her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She emphasized the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that the first lady was a man.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual explained he posted information since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her account by stating that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.