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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—among them the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment against the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a media personality who amplified the claim.

The case asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he disseminated posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex spread in part because their marriage has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, being two decades older than her husband, first met him when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.