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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the concern that every photograph might be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."

She pointed out the effects on loved ones, including the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is male.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread to some extent because their union has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.