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

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to her posture, because of the concern that each snapshot might be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

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

The Macrons have initiated a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual testified he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, aged significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, after her separation.

She finished her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.