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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph might be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while others were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this included comparing her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.

The couple have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

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

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he shared content as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest on the internet.

She, aged two decades older than the president, originally knew the future president when she was a teacher at his school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.