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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying against the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that each snapshot may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, including the kids hearing false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Court Case History

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation against a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The case states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his social media shares were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated posts because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity spread to some extent because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

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

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after her divorce.

She finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.