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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment targeting her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

All is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

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

She highlighted the impact on her relatives, for example her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America alleging slander involving a political commentator who spread the claim.

The case states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than the president, first met him when she was a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.