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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that each snapshot may be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly male.

The couple have initiated a case in America alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he posted information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex gained traction partly because their union has long been a point of interest online.

The first lady, who is significantly older than the president, originally knew the future president when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

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

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.