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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the baseless theory that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment against her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the effects on the family, such as the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady was a man.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is two decades older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.