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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to her posture, due to the fear that any image could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this included linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady was male.

The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants rejected the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he shared information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment online.

She, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following her separation.

She finished her statement by stating that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.