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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the concern that any image may be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

She emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example her grandchildren hearing hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually facing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements against a media personality who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity gained traction in part because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than the president, first met him when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.