🔗 Share this article Misleading Allegations on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Quality of Life, Child Informs the Tribunal Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims online—such as the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life. Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron. Impact on Daily Life Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the fear that each snapshot might be distorted to support hateful attacks. "The result is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she testified. Those on Trial and Allegations The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent. Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons. If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration. Effect on Relatives She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life". She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her." Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather". "She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks." Judicial Proceedings Background The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is a man. The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a political commentator who amplified the allegation. The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother. Accused Individuals' Statements In court, several defendants rejected the accusations. An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic. A fiction writer stated that his posts were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech". A third defendant explained he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France". Relationship Background The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their marriage has often been a point of interest on the internet. Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a instructor at his school. Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation. She finished her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.