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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the fear that every photograph may be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this included comparing her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, such as the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation against a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is completely false and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he disseminated posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, being two decades older than the president, originally knew him when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that never stops" for her mother.