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The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—among them the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a testifier in the trial of 10 individuals facing charges for online harassment targeting her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, such as her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the apprehension that any image could be misused to fuel negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while several more were better known.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when a person does not talk these claims to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle History

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a broader legal battle against the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly a man.

They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who spread the allegation.

The case states that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals denied the allegations.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual said he disseminated posts as he believed it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, being two decades older than her husband, initially encountered him when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.