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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, including her attire to her posture, due to the fear that every photograph could be misused to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this extended to equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, including her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The case states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he posted information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.

She finished her statement by saying that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.