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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment against her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to her posture, due to the fear that every photograph may be misused to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this included equating the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

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

Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual testified he disseminated information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity gained traction to some extent because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.