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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that any image may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always needs to be careful to her clothing, her posture, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while others were better known.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to linking the age gap with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

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

She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a media personality who amplified the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is completely false and notes that the person cited is really her brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused denied the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, being significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the false claims have produced a "chaos that never stops" for her mother.