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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her attire to how she stands, because of the apprehension that each snapshot might be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that she is transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation targeting a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The case states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.