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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment directed at the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, including her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that each snapshot may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

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

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, including the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

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

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is male.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

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

The first lady, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at his school.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.