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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that any image could be distorted to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive up to two years in prison.

Family Impact

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, such as the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is transgender.

The couple have initiated a case in America alleging slander targeting a media personality who spread the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he posted posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment online.

She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.