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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot may be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

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

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

She emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, including her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Court Case History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is two decades older than the president, first met him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.