🔗 Share this article Misleading Allegations on the Internet Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Child Tells the Tribunal The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being. Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady. Impact on Everyday Activities She stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the concern that each snapshot may be misused to fuel hateful attacks. "The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," she told the court. Accused Individuals and Allegations Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent. Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included comparing the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms. Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison. Effect on Relatives Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence". She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her." She emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man". "She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing this abuse." Legal Battle Background The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that Brigitte Macron was a man. The couple have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander against a political commentator who promoted the claim. The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling. Trial Testimonies Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations. An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous. A well-known publicist stated that his posts were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression". A third defendant said he disseminated posts because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France". Relationship Background The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest in digital spaces. She, who is 24 years older than her husband, first met him when working as a teacher at the institution he attended. The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution. She concluded her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.