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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to her posture, due to the apprehension that any image could be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady was male.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a media personality who promoted the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he posted content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex circulated in part because their union has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.