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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—including the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that her mother now worries constantly about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that any image may be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

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

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, such as the younger generation learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the false claim that she was transgender.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants rejected the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "freedom of expression".
• Another individual explained he disseminated content as he believed it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender gained traction in part because their union has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, being significantly older than the president, originally knew the future president when working as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them evolved through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.