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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that each snapshot may be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while others were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person fails to mention this to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, including the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Court Case History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that she was a man.

They have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The case asserts that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

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

She, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

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

Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.