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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot could be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant explained he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory about the first lady's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his school.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

She concluded her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.