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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph might be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she is supposedly a man.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual testified he posted posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex circulated partly because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion online.

She, aged two decades older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they married in the following year, following her separation.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.