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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this included linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

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

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, including the kids hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know how to end it," she stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the false claim that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The case states that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's sex spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion online.

She, who is 24 years older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at his school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after her separation.

She finished her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.