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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment against her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while others were better known.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included equating the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk this to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

They have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, who is two decades older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in that year, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.