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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, has told a Paris court that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about how she looks, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the concern that each snapshot could be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Several had limited online influence, while the rest were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this included comparing the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from her mother's first marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She testified, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the false claim that the first lady was transgender.

The Macrons have initiated a US lawsuit alleging slander against a media personality who spread the claim.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the person cited is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his online statements as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared posts because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity gained traction partly because their marriage has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, who is two decades older than her husband, originally knew the future president when working as a teacher at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

She concluded her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.