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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the concern that each snapshot could be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that the first lady was a man.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The legal filing states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he disseminated content as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their union has long been a topic of comment online.

She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.