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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on her relatives, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a media personality who promoted the claim.

The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because their marriage has long been a topic of comment online.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, originally knew the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in that year, after her separation.

Auzière concluded her testimony by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.