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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that any image may be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, including the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that she was a man.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The case clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he shared posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because their union has often been a subject of discussion online.

She, being significantly older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

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

She finished her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.