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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a attorney, was called as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, because of the fear that every photograph may be distorted to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."

She emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure how to end it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly transgender.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a political commentator who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants denied the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he posted posts as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's sex spread in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when working as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through drama activities, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.