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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a testifier in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She stated that her mother now worries constantly about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"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," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk this to her."

Auzière highlighted the impact on her relatives, such as her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is continually experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case represents a recent development in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that she was a man.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The case clarifies that the claim is completely false and points out that the person cited is actually her brother.

Defendants' Responses

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

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were meant to be "irony" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he disseminated information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's sex gained traction in part because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

The first lady, aged two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, following her marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have created a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.