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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, including the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man.

They have pursued a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual testified he disseminated content since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's identity gained traction to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered him when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière finished her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.