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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the apprehension that each snapshot may be manipulated to support hateful attacks.

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

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. A few had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

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

She testified, "Not a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she stated. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Court Case Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the baseless theory that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America for defamation involving a political commentator who promoted the claim.

The case clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his online statements as ironic.
• Another defendant stated that his online activity were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, being two decades older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, following her divorce.

Auzière finished her account by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.