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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph could be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on the family, for example the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America alleging slander involving a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's gender circulated in part because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than her husband, first met the future president when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in that year, subsequent to her separation.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.