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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the concern that each snapshot may be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved equating her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly male.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he shared information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when she was a instructor at his school.

Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.