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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because their union has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

She finished her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.