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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that any image may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the impact on the family, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that she was transgender.

They have also filed a case in America for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants denied the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he posted content since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.