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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph could be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her quality of life".

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

Auzière pointed out the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is completely false and notes that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants disputed the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, stated he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, aged significantly older than her husband, originally knew him when working as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.