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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying against her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her attire to how she stands, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

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

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."

She pointed out the effects on the family, including the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a political commentator who spread the claim.

The legal filing states that the claim is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they married in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.