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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her demeanor, from her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that any image might be misused to advance negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this included equating the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

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

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, for example the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Court Case History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that she was male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and points out that the person cited is actually her brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and described his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he shared content since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning the first lady's gender spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, aged significantly older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they married in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.