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The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a Paris court that false claims online—such as the unfounded rumor that she is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

Auzière, a legal professional, appeared as a witness in the trial of 10 individuals accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that every photograph could be misused to support malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, how she holds herself, regardless of her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, in that age range, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have spreading defamatory content about the first lady's gender and sexuality. For some, this included linking the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they could receive as much as 24 months in incarceration.

Family Impact

Auzière, a daughter from Brigitte Macron's initial union, described how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She testified, "Hardly a day goes by when a person fails to mention the issue to her."

She highlighted the effects on her relatives, including the kids learning about hurtful comments like "She is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière remarked. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

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

The couple have initiated a case in America alleging slander targeting a political commentator who spread the claim.

The legal filing states that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is in fact Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Trial Testimonies

In court, some of the accused disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were intended as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory regarding the first lady's gender gained traction in part because their marriage has long been a topic of comment online.

The first lady, who is two decades older than the president, originally knew him when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière wrapped up her account by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.