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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this involved equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she is transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The legal filing states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is really her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

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

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted information because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, initially encountered him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.