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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her actions in her daily life," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this involved comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the impact on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady was male.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is in fact her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex circulated in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, after her divorce.

She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.