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The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included comparing the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, including her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly a man.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, a few individuals rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual testified he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than her husband, first met the future president when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.