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The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, from her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that any image might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, regardless of her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk this to her."

She emphasized the effects on her relatives, such as the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Court Case History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the false claim that she is a man.

They have pursued a case in America alleging slander targeting a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's sex spread in part because their union has frequently been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.