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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—including the groundless claim that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment directed at her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, from the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph may be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

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

She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, including her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is male.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The case clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and expressed concern that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant testified he posted posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.