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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that each snapshot might be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The case clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants denied the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he posted content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than her husband, first met him when she was a teacher at his school.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.