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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to her posture, due to the concern that any image may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her activities in her daily life," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, including her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that she is a man.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The legal filing states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex circulated in part because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.