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The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to her posture, because of the concern that any image may be misused to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, no matter what her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, including her grandchildren hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

They have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a media personality who spread the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals denied the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's sex circulated partly because their union has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, who is significantly older than the president, first met him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by expressing that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.