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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that she had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of ten people accused of online harassment directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this included equating her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they face as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "worsening of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day passes when an individual fails to mention the issue to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on loved ones, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

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

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements involving a political commentator who promoted the theory.

The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his posts were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated content because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, who is significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their relationship grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

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