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The French first lady's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that inaccurate assertions online—including the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, appeared as a testifier in the court case of 10 individuals allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Personal Routine

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that any image might be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, regardless of her activities in everyday routine," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while others were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved linking the disparity in years with her husband to inappropriate terms.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in jail.

Family Impact

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk this to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on loved ones, such as the younger generation hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is lying" or "Your grandmother was born male".

"She does not know how to end it," Auzière testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

The legal proceedings is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that she was male.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a media personality who spread the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, claimed he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "humor" and voiced worry that the trial could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner said he disseminated information because he felt it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The false theory concerning the first lady's identity gained traction partly because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a point of interest online.

She, aged 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her separation.

She wrapped up her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for her mother.