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The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of digital bullying targeting her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her fashion choices to her posture, due to the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included equating the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

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

She pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, for example the kids hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that she is supposedly a man.

They have pursued a US lawsuit for defamation against a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex gained traction partly because their union has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.