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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to how she stands, as a result of the concern that each snapshot may be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

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

She highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, such as her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Court Case History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that the first lady is transgender.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he posted content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's sex spread partly because their union has long been a topic of comment online.

She, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.