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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot could be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in her daily life," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is really her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, being two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.