🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Judges Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence. Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants accused of online harassment targeting the first lady. Impact on Daily Life She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be misused to fuel malicious comments. "The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court. Accused Individuals and Allegations Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while others were more prominent. All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved comparing the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons. Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in jail. Consequences for Loved Ones Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence". She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her." Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male". "She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults." Court Case Context The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly a man. The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the theory. The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling. Defendants' Responses In court, a few individuals disputed the charges. A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic. Another defendant claimed that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech". An art gallery owner testified he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country". Relationship Background The false theory regarding the first lady's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest on the internet. The first lady, who is 24 years older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his school. Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce. Auzière finished her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.