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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of ten people facing charges for digital bullying targeting Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She explained that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that each snapshot may be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," she testified.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this included linking her age difference with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She testified, "Not a day passes when a person does not talk the issue to her."

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

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings History

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight against the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit states that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, some of the accused rejected the charges.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a teacher at his school.

Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

She finished her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "whirlwind that never stops" for the first lady.