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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to her posture, due to the fear that any image could be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to equating her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Context

This case is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that she is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because their marriage has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, who is significantly older than the president, originally knew him when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière finished her testimony by expressing that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.