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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of digital bullying targeting her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that every photograph may be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she always has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. A few had a small social media following, while others were better known.

Every defendant is accused of spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved comparing her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.

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

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, a daughter from her mother's previous marriage, explained how the baseless rumors have caused a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her quality of life".

She explained, "Scarcely a day passes when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the impact on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is actually a man".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is continually subjected to these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady was male.

They have also filed a US lawsuit alleging slander involving a media personality who promoted the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the accusation is totally unfounded and points out that the person cited is actually her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the accusations.

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• An art gallery owner said he shared posts as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Personal History

The false theory concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread in part because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

She, who is 24 years older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when she was a teacher at his school.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the false claims have caused a "storm that never stops" for her mother.