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The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image could be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that the first lady was transgender.

They have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the allegation.

The case asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted posts since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning the first lady's identity spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his school.

Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, subsequent to her separation.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.