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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment targeting her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph could be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk this to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly a man.

They have pursued a case in America alleging slander against a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated content as he believed it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to her separation.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.