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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment targeting her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."

She highlighted the impact on her relatives, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that she is male.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual said he posted posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than her husband, originally knew him when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her account by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for her mother.