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The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that inaccurate assertions online—such as the groundless claim that she is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against the first lady.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière testified that the first lady now is always concerned about her appearance, including the clothes she wears to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that any image could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her body language, no matter what she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are in court for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while others were better known.

All is alleged to have posting harmful statements about Brigitte Macron's identity. In certain cases, this extended to linking the disparity in years with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

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

Effect on Relatives

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

She said, "Scarcely a day passes when a person avoids discussing the issue to her."

She emphasized the impact on the family, for example the kids hearing malicious statements like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure what to do about it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue any of this, and she is continually facing these assaults."

Court Case Context

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is transgender.

They have pursued a case in America alleging slander against a media personality who amplified the claim.

The lawsuit asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused rejected the accusations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• Another defendant argued that his online activity were presented as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could undermine "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual explained he disseminated information since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's identity circulated in part because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion online.

Brigitte Macron, who is 24 years older than the president, initially encountered him when working as a teacher at his school.

The connection between them grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's separation.

She concluded her account by saying that the inaccurate allegations have produced a "chaos that continues endlessly" for her mother.