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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that every photograph may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this involved equating her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

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

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

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

She finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.