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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the fear that any image may be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The legal filing states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The false theory about the first lady's sex circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière concluded her account by saying that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.