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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, from her attire to her posture, because of the fear that each snapshot may be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, including the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The legal filing states that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted information because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory concerning the first lady's sex circulated to some extent because their marriage has long been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that never stops" for her mother.