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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that she was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's quality of life.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment directed at her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

Auzière explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about how she looks, such as her attire to her posture, due to the fear that any image may be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly must be cautious to her outfits, her body language, regardless of she's doing in day-to-day existence," Auzière testified.

Defendants and Accusations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Each one is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this extended to equating her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

She, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her physical state" and a "worsening of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone avoids discussing these claims to her."

She emphasized the repercussions on the family, for example the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

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

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight targeting the false claim that the first lady was male.

The couple have pursued a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The lawsuit clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and points out that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, some of the accused rejected the allegations.

• One defendant, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist argued that his online activity were intended as "satire" and voiced worry that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he shared content as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Personal History

The false theory regarding Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their union has long been a subject of discussion on the internet.

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

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, following Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the baseless rumors have caused a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.