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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her attire to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot could be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included comparing her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that she is transgender.

They have initiated a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is in fact her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants rejected the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual explained he disseminated posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, who is significantly older than the president, first met him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.