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The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that false claims spread through social media—among them the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, was called as a testifier in the trial of ten people accused of digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière stated that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to her posture, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.

Each one is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when a person avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière emphasized the effects on the family, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she remarked. "She holds no office, she never asked for anything, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was transgender.

The couple have pursued a US lawsuit over false statements against a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants rejected the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were intended as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual said he disseminated posts since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because their union has often been a point of interest in digital spaces.

She, who is significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her testimony by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for the first lady.