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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—among them the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse against her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included equating the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, including the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a political commentator who spread the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

She, being significantly older than the president, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at his school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they wed in that year, subsequent to her separation.

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