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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image might be misused to support malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in her daily life," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to equating her age difference with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."

She highlighted the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Court Case Background

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is really her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were meant to be "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he shared information since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, who is two decades older than the president, first met him when she was a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.