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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph could be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on loved ones, including her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

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

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory about the first lady's identity gained traction to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged significantly older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following her separation.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.