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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the fear that any image could be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

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

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved comparing the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when a person does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is male.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the allegation.

The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual testified he posted content since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion online.

She, aged significantly older than the president, first met him when she was a teacher at his school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.