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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that each snapshot might be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this extended to comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Effect on Relatives

She, a daughter from her mother's first marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "She is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that the first lady was male.

They have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is actually her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants denied the charges.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated posts because he felt it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that does not cease" for the first lady.