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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment against the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her demeanor, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the concern that any image might be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day passes when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on her relatives, including the kids being exposed to false assertions like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron is male.

The Macrons have pursued a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and notes that the person cited is in fact her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, stated he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant testified he shared posts as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The baseless rumor concerning the first lady's sex gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship evolved through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.