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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that each snapshot might be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. For some, this included linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

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

She highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, such as the kids hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he disseminated posts since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when working as a instructor at his school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.

She finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.