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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have significantly harmed her mother's quality of life.

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

Impact on Everyday Activities

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, such as her attire to her posture, due to the fear that any image could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she always needs to be careful to her outfits, how she holds herself, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Accusations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's gender and sexuality. Among them, this included linking the disparity in years with the French president to offensive labels.

If convicted, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's first marriage, explained how the false claims have caused a "worsening of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the effects on loved ones, for example the younger generation being exposed to hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought anything, and she is constantly subjected to these assaults."

Judicial Proceedings Context

This case is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have initiated a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The lawsuit states that the claim is completely false and identifies that the person cited is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, stated he "did not mean to hurt anyone" and described his social media content as ironic.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his online activity were presented as "humor" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "freedom of expression".
• Another individual said he disseminated information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about Brigitte Macron's sex circulated partly because the Macrons' relationship has long been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when she was a educator at his school.

Their relationship evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière concluded her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.