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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the fear that any image could be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this included equating her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a media personality who promoted the claim.

The case asserts that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has often been a point of interest online.

She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.