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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that any image may be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She highlighted the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is male.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is in fact her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.