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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for online harassment against the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that each snapshot might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were better known.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this involved equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

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

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle History

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the person cited is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's identity spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his school.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.

She concluded her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.