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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that any image could be distorted to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is continually experiencing this abuse."

Court Case History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.

They have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements involving a media personality who amplified the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared content because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their union has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, originally knew him when serving as a teacher at his school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.