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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—among them the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to how she stands, due to the fear that any image could be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

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

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on loved ones, for example her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that she is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who promoted the theory.

The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than the president, first met the future president when she was a educator at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, subsequent to her divorce.

She finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.