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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of online harassment against her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

All is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on the family, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, first met the future president when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.