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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants accused of online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to her posture, because of the concern that each snapshot could be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on loved ones, including her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The couple have also filed a case in America alleging slander involving a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is really her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he posted posts since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has long been a point of interest online.

She, aged 24 years older than the president, originally knew him when she was a teacher at his school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.