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The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Daily Life

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the apprehension that any image could be distorted to advance malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. In certain cases, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's first marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

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

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, for example her grandchildren learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently facing this abuse."

Judicial Proceedings History

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The legal filing states that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals rejected the accusations.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his posts as satirical.
• Another defendant argued that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual said he posted content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in the following year, after her divorce.

She wrapped up her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.