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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that any image could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he posted content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity spread partly because their union has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.