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The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the fear that every photograph may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case against the false claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a media personality who spread the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted posts since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's sex spread in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.