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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, including the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Court Case Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for her mother.