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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that she was transgender.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he posted information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to her separation.

She finished her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.