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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims online—among them the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she was transgender.

The couple have pursued a case in America alleging slander against a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he shared posts since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because their marriage has often been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when working as a instructor at his school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.