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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

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

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that she is male.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated posts since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his school.

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

She concluded her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.