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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for digital bullying targeting her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she testified.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

They have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated posts since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

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

Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.