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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims online—such as the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment against Brigitte Macron.

Impact on Daily Life

She explained that Brigitte Macron now is always concerned about her appearance, such as her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that every photograph might be distorted to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Ten individuals, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. A few had limited online influence, while others were more prominent.

All is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved linking her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's first marriage, described how the inaccurate allegations have led to a "decline of her well-being" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

She emphasized the effects on the family, for example the kids learning about malicious statements like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she remarked. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly experiencing this abuse."

Legal Battle Background

This case represents a recent development in a broader legal battle targeting the false claim that the first lady is supposedly male.

The Macrons have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements involving a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the person cited is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Trial Testimonies

During the trial, a few individuals disputed the allegations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "had no purpose to cause harm" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could threaten "the right to speak freely".
• Another individual said he posted information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender gained traction in part because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

The first lady, being significantly older than her husband, first met Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at his school.

Their relationship developed through drama activities, and they wed in the following year, after Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

She finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have caused a "chaos that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.