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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, because of the apprehension that each snapshot may be manipulated to advance negative campaigns.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this extended to equating the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her health" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when someone does not talk these claims to her."

Auzière pointed out the repercussions on the family, for example the kids learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case against the false claim that the first lady is supposedly a man.

They have pursued a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit states that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, some of the accused denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his posts were meant to be "humor" and voiced worry that the case could endanger "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

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

The connection between them developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière finished her account by saying that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.