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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that each snapshot might be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The couple have also filed a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, first met him when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.