🔗 Share this article Misleading Claims on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to the Tribunal Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life. She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment against her mother. Consequences on Daily Life Auzière explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from her attire to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot might be misused to support negative campaigns. "The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court. Accused Individuals and Accusations Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while others were more prominent. All is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons. Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison. Effect on Relatives She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence". She said, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her." Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, including her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather". "She has no idea how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually subjected to these attacks." Court Case Background The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was male. They have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory. The legal filing asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is actually her brother. Accused Individuals' Statements During the trial, several defendants rejected the charges. One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic. Another defendant argued that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "freedom of expression". An art gallery owner explained he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country". Past Context The false theory about the first lady's sex circulated partly because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online. The first lady, being significantly older than her husband, initially encountered him when working as a educator at his secondary school. The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution. Auzière finished her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.