🔗 Share this article False Allegations on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Daughter Informs Judges The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life. Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at her mother. Effects on Everyday Activities She stated 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 fear that any image might be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks. "The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges. Those on Trial and Charges Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent. All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons. Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in jail. Family Impact She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence". She said, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her." Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, including the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She was born male". "She does not know how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks." Legal Battle History The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man. The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a media personality who amplified the claim. The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her sibling. Accused Individuals' Statements During the trial, a few individuals disputed the accusations. An individual, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous. Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "free speech". A third defendant explained he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country". Personal History The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion online. She, being significantly older than the president, originally knew the future president when she was a teacher at his secondary school. Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her divorce. Auzière concluded her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.