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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that any image may be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The case clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated content because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated partly because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when working as a educator at his school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.