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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, including her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that any image could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that she was transgender.

They have also filed a case in America for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual said he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She concluded her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.