🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Claims on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Informs the Tribunal The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being. Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at the first lady. Effects on Everyday Activities Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that each snapshot could be misused to fuel negative campaigns. "The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she informed the judges. Those on Trial and Charges The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible. Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels. If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration. Family Impact Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life". She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when someone avoids discussing these claims to her." Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather". "She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults." Judicial Proceedings Context This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is transgender. The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the allegation. The legal filing states that the claim is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is really her older brother. Accused Individuals' Statements In court, several defendants disputed the charges. One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic. Another defendant argued that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech". Another individual explained he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France". Personal History The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity spread partly because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest online. Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at his secondary school. The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they married in the following year, after her marriage dissolution. She finished her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.