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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while others were better known.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking her age difference with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She highlighted the impact on her relatives, including the younger generation learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that she is transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the theory.

The case states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

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

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant said he shared information since he thought it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when working as a educator at the institution he attended.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.