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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her fashion choices to her posture, because of the fear that any image may be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this included linking her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, such as the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was a man.

They have pursued a case in America alleging slander targeting a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The lawsuit asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants denied the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer argued that his posts were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he disseminated information because he felt it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because their union has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when she was a educator at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière concluded her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that does not cease" for the first lady.