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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment against her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the concern that any image might be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved comparing the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, including the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that she was male.

They have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the theory.

The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to her divorce.

She finished her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.