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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—including the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk this to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, including her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The couple have also filed a case in America for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The case states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.

She wrapped up her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.