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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included equating the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when someone avoids discussing this to her."

She emphasized the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that Brigitte Macron was male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The case clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is really her brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual said he posted information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.

Auzière finished her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.