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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Court Case History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man.

They have also filed a case in America for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The legal filing states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because their marriage has often been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when she was a educator at his school.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.