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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions spread through social media—including the baseless theory that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

Auzière, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying against her mother.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, such as the clothes she wears to how she stands, as a result of the apprehension that each snapshot could be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while several more were better known.

Each one is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. Among them, this extended to comparing the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.

Family Impact

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

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, such as the kids learning about false assertions like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle History

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is transgender.

They have pursued a legal action in the United States over false statements against a conservative podcaster who spread the allegation.

The case states that the allegation is completely false and points out that the individual referenced is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused disputed the charges.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his social media shares were presented as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The inaccurate claim regarding the first lady's identity circulated to some extent because their marriage has often been a point of interest on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than her husband, originally knew the future president when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.

Their bond developed through drama activities, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by saying that the false claims have caused a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.