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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that each snapshot might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the effects on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she is a man.

They have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he shared content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière finished her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.