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The French first lady's child, Tiphaine Auzière, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the fear that every photograph could be misused to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on loved ones, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

They have also filed a case in America for defamation against a media personality who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he disseminated information as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when she was a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, after her separation.

Auzière concluded her statement by expressing that the false claims have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.