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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day passes when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on loved ones, including the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that she is male.

They have also filed a case in America alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

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

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted information since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory regarding the first lady's gender circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.