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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

She testified that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph might be distorted to support negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," she informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have resulted in a "deterioration of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone does not talk this to her."

Auzière pointed out the effects on the family, for example the younger generation hearing false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.

The Macrons have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements involving a media personality who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the person cited is actually her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, initially encountered him when she was a instructor at his school.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by saying that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.