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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière stated that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, including the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the false claim that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit states that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he shared content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.