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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that every photograph might be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this included linking her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face up to two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on loved ones, for example her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

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

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the false claim that she is a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he disseminated posts as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, originally knew him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.