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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that each snapshot could be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, her posture, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this involved equating her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

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

Auzière pointed out the impact on loved ones, including the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, who is two decades older than the president, first met the future president when she was a educator at his school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière finished her account by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.