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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot could be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on loved ones, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

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

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady is transgender.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant said he shared content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.