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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that each snapshot might be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included comparing her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man.

They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared information as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, initially encountered the future president when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.