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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the concern that any image may be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

They have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation against a media personality who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit states 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 disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he shared information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their union has often been a point of interest online.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when serving as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.