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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the claim.

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

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated posts since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.