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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as the kids hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.