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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—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that any image might be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

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

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, such as her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the false claim that the first lady was transgender.

They have pursued a case in America over false statements against a political commentator who spread the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity circulated in part because their union has often been a point of interest on the internet.

She, being significantly older than her husband, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.