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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that every photograph could be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The legal filing states that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.