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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that any image may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified 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 marriage has long been a point of interest on the internet.

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

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after her divorce.

She wrapped up her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.