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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image might be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, including her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

They have initiated a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who spread the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.