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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the legal proceedings of 10 individuals accused of internet-based abuse directed at her mother.

Impact on Everyday Activities

She testified that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, including her attire to her posture, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be distorted to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her body language, no matter what her activities in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's identity. Among them, this involved linking the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

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

She pointed out the repercussions on her relatives, such as her grandchildren hearing malicious statements like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought anything, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady was a man.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Trial Testimonies

In court, several defendants rejected the accusations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and described his online statements as satirical.
• A well-known publicist stated that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could threaten "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he posted posts as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory regarding the first lady's sex circulated partly because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

She, being significantly older than the president, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "storm that does not cease" for her mother.