🔗 Share this article Misleading Assertions Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs Court The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life. She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady. Impact on Everyday Activities She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image may be misused to support malicious comments. "The result is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she testified. Accused Individuals and Charges Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible. Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to equating the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels. Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison. Consequences for Loved Ones Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence". She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her." She emphasized the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man". "She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse." Court Case Context This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male. The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the theory. The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother. Accused Individuals' Statements Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the charges. One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic. Another defendant stated that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "free speech". Another individual explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation". Past Context The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces. She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his school. Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution. She finished her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.