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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady was a man.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he posted content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, who is significantly older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her account by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.