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Brigitte Macron's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph could be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while others were better known.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person fails to mention the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is transgender.

They have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment online.

She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.