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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the fear that any image may be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

She pointed out the effects on loved ones, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual said he disseminated information since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her separation.

She wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.