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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Court Case Context

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was male.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The case states that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual testified he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's gender gained traction partly because their union has often been a subject of discussion online.

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

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, after her divorce.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.