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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for online harassment against her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, from her attire to her posture, because of the apprehension that each snapshot could be manipulated to support malicious comments.

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

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

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

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that the first lady was a man.

The couple have initiated a case in America alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because their union has long been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, who is two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have caused a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.