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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that false claims online—among them the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals facing charges for internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now is always concerned about how she looks, including her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph could be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they could receive up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the false claims have resulted in a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

She emphasized the effects on her relatives, for example the kids learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Court Case History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who spread the claim.

The legal filing states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is really her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information since he thought it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because their union has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than her husband, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, after her divorce.

She concluded her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.