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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that the first lady was transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.