🔗 Share this article Inaccurate Assertions on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Testifies to Judges The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being. Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment targeting her mother. Impact on Personal Routine Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph might be distorted to support negative campaigns. "The result is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges. Defendants 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 the rest were better known. All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to linking the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms. If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison. Family Impact She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence". She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her." She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man". "She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse." Judicial Proceedings History This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that she is male. They have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation. The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is really her brother. Accused Individuals' Statements During the trial, several defendants disputed the allegations. An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as satirical. Another defendant argued that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression". An art gallery owner testified he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country". Past Context The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet. Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at the institution he attended. Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution. She concluded her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.