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The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the groundless claim that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that every photograph could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, irrespective of her activities in her daily life," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual fails to mention this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is continually facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that she was a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his online activity were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual said he disseminated posts as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than the president, first met him when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.