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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a political commentator who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the allegation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension 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 "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex spread partly because their union has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at his school.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, following her separation.

She concluded her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.