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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment against her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph could be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

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

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, including the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant explained he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

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

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.