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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment against her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that any image might be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

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

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is completely false and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he disseminated posts since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because their union has frequently been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, following her separation.

She wrapped up her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.