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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing this to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, including her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.

They have pursued a case in America for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The case clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, after her divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.