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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—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph may be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this extended to comparing her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She emphasized the impact on her relatives, such as the kids hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

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

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted information as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about the first lady's identity spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, being significantly older than her husband, originally knew him when serving as a educator at his school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.