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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse against her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the apprehension that any image could be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while others were better known.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention this to her."

She pointed out the effects on the family, for example the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

They have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, originally knew the future president when she was a instructor at his school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.