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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the baseless theory that she was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of ten people facing charges for online harassment targeting her mother.

Effects on Everyday Activities

She stated that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to her posture, as a result of the fear that each snapshot might be misused to support malicious comments.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

The defendants, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. Several had a small social media following, while several more were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this extended to linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

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

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Hardly a day passes when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, including her grandchildren learning about hurtful comments like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the false claim that she is a man.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation against a media personality who promoted the claim.

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

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant testified he posted content as he believed it was an international matter with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's sex gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has often been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, aged 24 years older than the president, first met him when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following her separation.

Auzière concluded her testimony by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.