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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that any image might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" 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 constantly experiencing these attacks."

Court Case History

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.