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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that she was male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The case clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated to some extent because their marriage has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her divorce.

She wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.