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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Accusations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to comparing her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She has no idea how to end it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings History

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

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants rejected the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity circulated partly because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, who is two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have produced a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.