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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the fear that any image could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

She emphasized the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The couple have pursued a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who spread the theory.

The case states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual explained he disseminated posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.