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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that any image may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a media personality who spread the claim.

The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's identity spread to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

The first lady, being significantly older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.