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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while others were better known.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this included comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, such as the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is male.

They have initiated a case in America alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The case clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's gender circulated in part because their union has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.