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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, including her attire to her posture, due to the apprehension that any image might be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that she is male.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who amplified the theory.

The case clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is really her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they married in that year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.