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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to how she stands, because of the apprehension that every photograph may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the effects on the family, such as the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is a man.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex spread partly because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, who is significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they married in the following year, after her divorce.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.