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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that each snapshot may be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the false claim that she is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.