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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for online harassment directed at her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to her posture, because of the fear that every photograph may be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is a man.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The case clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is really her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he shared content since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, being 24 years older than the president, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

She concluded her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.