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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that each snapshot could be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America alleging slander targeting a media personality who promoted the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

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

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than her husband, first met him when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.