🔗 Share this article False Claims on the Internet Damaged Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Testifies to the Tribunal The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron. Consequences on Daily Life She stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns. "The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges. Those on Trial and Accusations Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent. Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons. If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail. Effect on Relatives She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life". She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her." Auzière pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male". "She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks." Court Case Background The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly male. The Macrons have also filed a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who amplified the allegation. The case states that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother. Defendants' Responses Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the allegations. A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical. Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech". Another individual said he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France". Relationship Background The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet. She, aged two decades older than the president, originally knew him when working as a educator at his school. Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution. Auzière concluded her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.