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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people accused of digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Effects on Personal Routine

She testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly a man.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The case states that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, a few individuals denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant said he disseminated content since he thought it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's identity circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière finished her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.