🔗 Share this article False Allegations on the Internet Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Testifies to Judges Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being. Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at her mother. Effects on Daily Life She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns. "The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified. Accused Individuals and Accusations Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were better known. All is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons. If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration. Effect on Relatives Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence". She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person fails to mention these claims to her." Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She was born male". "She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks." Judicial Proceedings History This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man. They have initiated a case in America over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation. The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother. Accused Individuals' Statements Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the accusations. A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as ironic. Another defendant argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely". A third defendant testified he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France". Personal History The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online. The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, first met him when serving as a teacher at his school. The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution. She finished her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.