🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Assertions Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Testifies to Court The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the baseless theory that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence. Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment targeting the first lady. Effects on Personal Routine She testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns. "The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges. Defendants and Charges The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent. All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking her age difference with her husband to offensive labels. If convicted, they could receive up to two years in jail. Family Impact She, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence". She testified, "Not a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her." Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather". "She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults." Legal Battle Context The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady was transgender. The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the claim. The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her brother. Defendants' Responses During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations. A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as satirical. Another defendant argued that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression". A third defendant said he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country". Relationship Background The false theory concerning the first lady's identity spread partly because their union has long been a point of interest online. The first lady, being 24 years older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school. The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation. Auzière finished her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that never stops" for her mother.