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The French first lady's daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she always must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, including the kids hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly facing this abuse."

Legal Battle History

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted information because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction in part because their union has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.