🔗 Share this article False Assertions Online Damaged Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Court The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron. Consequences on Daily Life She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her attire to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns. "The result is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she told the court. Those on Trial and Charges Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent. Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels. Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison. Effect on Relatives She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence". She explained, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her." Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man". "She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to these assaults." Court Case Context This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly male. The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements against a political commentator who promoted the claim. The legal filing states that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling. Accused Individuals' Statements In court, several defendants disputed the accusations. An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as ironic. Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "free speech". A third defendant explained he shared posts since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation". Relationship Background The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex spread partly because their union has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet. She, being two decades older than the president, first met the future president when she was a educator at the institution he attended. The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they married in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution. Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.