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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that any image may be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on the family, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

They have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a media personality who promoted the theory.

The case asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is really her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual testified he posted information because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because their union has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, being significantly older than her husband, initially encountered him when she was a instructor at his school.

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they married in the following year, subsequent to her separation.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.