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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph may be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he posted posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex spread partly because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her separation.

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