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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the baseless theory that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, including her attire to how she stands, as a result of the concern that any image might be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of she's doing in her daily life," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have caused a "decline of her health" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière highlighted the repercussions on her relatives, including her grandchildren learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is permanently subjected to this abuse."

Legal Battle History

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case against the false claim that the first lady was male.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States alleging slander targeting a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, a few individuals denied the charges.

• An individual, serving as a local official, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the case could threaten "free speech".
• Another individual testified he disseminated posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The baseless rumor about Brigitte Macron's identity circulated partly because their marriage has often been a topic of comment online.

She, aged two decades older than the president, initially encountered him when serving as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship developed through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her statement by stating that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that does not cease" for her mother.