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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting her mother.

Effects on Personal Routine

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that each snapshot may be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the false claims have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady is a man.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion online.

She, being 24 years older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a instructor at his school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.