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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that each snapshot could be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who spread the allegation.

The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his school.

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

Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.