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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying against the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the concern that each snapshot might be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the kids learning about false assertions like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was male.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

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

She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at his school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She concluded her account by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.