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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph may be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved equating the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

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, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

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

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, for example her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she was male.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is actually her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender spread to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they married in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her testimony by expressing that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.