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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on the family, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

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

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is male.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who spread the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he posted information since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.