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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph may be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly male.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant said he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because their union has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

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

Auzière finished her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that never stops" for her mother.