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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image could be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, for example her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly male.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared information since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning the first lady's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest online.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, first met the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.