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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her attire to her posture, because of the apprehension that every photograph might be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that the first lady is transgender.

The couple have also filed a case in America for defamation targeting a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he disseminated posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when working as a educator at his school.

The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.