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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, from her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were more visible.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this involved linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the effects on the family, including her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that she was male.

The couple have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

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

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants denied the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he shared information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's sex circulated partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.

She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.