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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a media personality who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, initially encountered him when she was a educator at his school.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after her separation.

She finished her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.