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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that any image may be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that the first lady is male.

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

The case asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant said he shared information as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

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

She, who is two decades older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.