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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be manipulated to advance malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, her posture, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is alleged to have posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this included comparing her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Background

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that the first lady was a man.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation against a media personality who spread the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he posted content because he felt it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity gained traction in part because their union has long been a point of interest on the internet.

She, aged 24 years older than the president, first met him when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "storm that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.