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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is in fact her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction to some extent because their marriage has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.