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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron had a male birth identity—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, was called as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, from her fashion choices to how she stands, due to the fear that each snapshot may be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her clothing, her body language, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Accused Individuals and Allegations

Ten individuals, in that age range, are on trial for online harassment. Some had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. Among them, this extended to linking the age gap with her husband to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day goes by when an individual does not talk these claims to her."

She pointed out the effects on her relatives, including the kids learning about malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "She was born male".

"She has no idea what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the baseless theory that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The Macrons have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing asserts that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the name mentioned is in fact her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant said he disseminated content since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Past Context

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's sex circulated partly because their marriage has long been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, being 24 years older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, after her marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.