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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image may be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this involved equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

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

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, including her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is a man.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America alleging slander targeting a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is really her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.