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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that she is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that any image might be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while others were more visible.

All is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, including her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is supposedly a man.

They have initiated a case in America for defamation targeting a media personality who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated content because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex gained traction partly because their marriage has often been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than her husband, first met him when serving as a educator at his school.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.