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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people accused of digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that she was transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a media personality who spread the allegation.

The legal filing states that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is really her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion online.

The first lady, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her separation.

She finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.