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The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in internet-based abuse targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph may be misused to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to comparing her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual fails to mention this to her."

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Court Case Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a media personality who spread the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he shared posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's gender gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than her husband, first met the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by saying that the false claims have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.