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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to fuel negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, her body language, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in prison.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight addressing the false claim that the first lady was male.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements against a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The case asserts that the allegation is completely false and notes that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant said he disseminated content since he thought it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding the first lady's sex spread to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when she was a instructor at his school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She concluded her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.