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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

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

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, for example the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she is supposedly transgender.

The couple have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual testified he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is two decades older than her husband, first met him when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, subsequent to her divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.