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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot might be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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 Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

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

Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that she is transgender.

They have pursued a case in America alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he disseminated posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.