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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—such as the baseless theory that she had a male birth identity—have significantly harmed her mother's personal well-being.

She, a legal professional, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She stated that Brigitte Macron now feels perpetual anxiety about her appearance, from the clothes she wears to her posture, because of the concern that any image could be manipulated to fuel hateful attacks.

"The result is that she systematically needs to be careful to her clothing, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. Some had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

All is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. In certain cases, this included equating the age gap with her husband to hurtful comparisons.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Consequences for Loved Ones

She, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have caused a "deterioration of her health" and a "deterioration of her quality of life".

She explained, "Not a day passes when someone fails to mention this to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, such as the younger generation hearing hurtful comments like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Background

The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a broader legal battle targeting the inaccurate allegation that she is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a US lawsuit for defamation targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The case states that the claim is completely false and points out that the name mentioned is really her sibling.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, asserted he "had no purpose to cause harm" and described his posts as satirical.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the trial could endanger "the right to speak freely".
• A third defendant explained he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding the first lady's gender spread in part because their union has frequently been a subject of discussion on the internet.

The first lady, aged two decades older than the president, first met the future president when working as a instructor at his secondary school.

The connection between them grew through theatrical projects, and they married in that year, following her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by stating that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for the first lady.