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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that any image could be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this included equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on the family, for example the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Court Case History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady is a man.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a political commentator who spread the claim.

The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.

Trial Testimonies

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

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their marriage has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when she was a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.