🔗 Share this article Misleading Assertions on Social Media Harmed Brigitte Macron's Daily Life, Daughter Tells Judges Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life. She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against her mother. Impact on Everyday Activities She stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to fuel negative campaigns. "The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court. Defendants and Accusations Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known. Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms. If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail. Consequences for Loved Ones Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence". She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her." Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather". "She is unsure how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to these assaults." Court Case History The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender. They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who amplified the theory. The lawsuit asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact her older brother. Trial Testimonies In court, a few individuals rejected the charges. One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic. Another defendant stated that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech". Another individual said he shared posts because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France". Personal History The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces. Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended. Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, after her separation. Auzière finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.