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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her attire to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph might be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this included equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the impact on the family, including the kids hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

This case is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that the first lady was male.

They have also filed a case in America for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, being significantly older than the president, first met the future president when working as a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.