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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, testified to a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the fear that each snapshot might be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

All is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on loved ones, for example the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.

The couple have pursued a case in America over false statements against a media personality who promoted the claim.

The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's sex gained traction partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after her divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.