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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the fear that each snapshot could be manipulated to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she always must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included linking the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on loved ones, such as her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a media personality who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were meant to be "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about the first lady's gender circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through drama activities, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.