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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to her posture, due to the fear that every photograph might be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

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

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, such as the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was a man.

The couple have pursued a case in America for defamation against a political commentator who spread the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender gained traction in part because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his secondary school.

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

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.