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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that any image may be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk this to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual testified he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, originally knew him when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.