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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person does not talk this to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually facing this abuse."

Court Case Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that she is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a media personality who amplified the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he shared content because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at his school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.