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Brigitte Macron's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph may be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, including her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

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

They have pursued a case in America over false statements targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared content since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction in part because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when she was a instructor at his school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.