🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs the Tribunal The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence. She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying against Brigitte Macron. Impact on Daily Life Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, from her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph could be misused to fuel malicious comments. "The result is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges. Defendants and Allegations Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were better known. All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons. If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail. Consequences for Loved Ones Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness". She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her." Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, such as the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male". "She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse." Legal Battle History The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that the first lady was male. They have initiated a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory. The case asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling. Defendants' Responses In court, a few individuals disputed the accusations. One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic. Another defendant stated that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "free speech". Another individual said he posted posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France". Past Context The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex gained traction partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion online. The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his school. Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after her divorce. She finished her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.