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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—such as the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image might be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to linking the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the false claim that she is supposedly a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements against a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The case states that the allegation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

She, being 24 years older than her husband, originally knew him when working as a educator at his school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her account by expressing that the false claims have caused a "storm that never stops" for her mother.