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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to comparing the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

They have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The legal filing states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated posts since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

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

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

She finished her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.