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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, such as her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.