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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations online—among them the baseless theory that the French first lady had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants accused of internet-based abuse targeting her mother.

Impact on Personal Routine

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her demeanor, such as her attire to how she stands, because of the apprehension that any image may be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

The defendants, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Some had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included equating the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to offensive labels.

If convicted, they could receive a maximum of two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

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

She said, "Not a day goes by when an individual avoids discussing this to her."

Auzière highlighted the effects on the family, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," Auzière testified. "She holds no office, she has not sought public attention, and she is permanently facing these assaults."

Court Case Background

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the false claim that she is transgender.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements targeting a political commentator who spread the theory.

The legal filing asserts that the allegation is entirely inaccurate and points out that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• An individual, serving as a local official, claimed he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A fiction writer stated that his social media shares were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he disseminated posts because he felt it was an international matter with "consequences for France".

Personal History

The false theory about the first lady's gender spread in part because their marriage has long been a point of interest online.

Brigitte Macron, being 24 years older than her husband, initially encountered Emmanuel Macron when serving as a teacher at the institution he attended.

The connection between them evolved through theatrical projects, and they wed in 2007, after her marriage dissolution.

She concluded her account by saying that the baseless rumors have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.