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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that every photograph might be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to comparing her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Background

This case is the latest phase in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

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

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.