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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph could be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the false claim that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared content because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is significantly older than her husband, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at his school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.