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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," she testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this included linking the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, such as the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, 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 against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation against a political commentator who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual said he disseminated information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex spread partly because their union has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

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

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.