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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants facing charges for digital bullying directed at her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière stated that the first lady now is always concerned about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, due to the apprehension that every photograph may be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while the rest were more visible.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on her relatives, such as the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "She is lying" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly facing these attacks."

Court Case Background

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the false claim that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit states that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as humorous.
• A fiction writer claimed that his posts were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could undermine "free speech".
• Another individual said he shared information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's sex spread partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that does not cease" for the first lady.