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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that any image may be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

All is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this involved linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment online.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her separation.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.