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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—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 court case of ten people facing charges for digital bullying against her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the concern that each snapshot might be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

All is accused of spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing her age difference with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when someone fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on her relatives, including the kids being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case against the false claim that she was a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• An individual, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the case could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he shared information because he felt it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's identity spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She concluded her account by expressing that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.