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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the court case of ten people accused of online harassment against the first lady.

Impact on Personal Routine

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, including the clothes she wears to how she stands, because of the concern that every photograph may be distorted to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. A few had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Each one is charged with making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this involved linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from her mother's initial union, explained how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Not a day passes when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She emphasized the impact on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is continually experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron was a man.

They have initiated a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit clarifies that the allegation is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact her older brother.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, several defendants denied the charges.

• A retired business owner, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the legal action could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he posted posts as he believed it was a global issue with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory regarding the first lady's identity spread in part because their union has long been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at his school.

Their bond evolved through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.