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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to her posture, due to the concern that every photograph could be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the baseless theory that she is a man.

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

The legal filing states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is really her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory about the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, being significantly older than the president, first met him when serving as a educator at his school.

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.