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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her attire to how she stands, as a result of the fear that any image might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

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

She emphasized the impact on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America over false statements against a media personality who spread the claim.

The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual explained he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding the first lady's sex gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is significantly older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her account by expressing that the false claims have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.