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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements against a political commentator who spread the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex gained traction to some extent because their union has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, aged 24 years older than the president, first met him when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following her separation.

She concluded her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.