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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—such as the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse against Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Personal Routine

Auzière stated that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that every photograph may be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she always has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her activities in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are in court for digital abuse. Some had a small social media following, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is accused of posting harmful statements about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this included comparing the age gap with the French president to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention this to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, including the kids being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is supposedly transgender.

The couple have initiated a case in America for defamation involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and notes that the individual referenced is really her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

In court, several defendants rejected the charges.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to cause harm" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were presented as "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner testified he disseminated posts because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender spread in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, aged two decades older than her husband, originally knew the future president when she was a educator at his school.

The connection between them grew through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She finished her testimony by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that continues endlessly" for her mother.