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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—among them the unfounded rumor that the French first lady was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, was called as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in digital bullying directed at the first lady.

Impact on Daily Life

Auzière testified that the first lady now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the concern that each snapshot might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she systematically must be cautious to her outfits, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in everyday routine," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for online harassment. Several had limited online influence, while several more were better known.

Each one is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's personal life. In certain cases, this involved linking the age gap with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If found responsible, they could receive a maximum of two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the inaccurate allegations have caused a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She said, "Hardly a day passes when an individual does not talk the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know how to stop it," Auzière stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is constantly experiencing these assaults."

Court Case Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case against the baseless theory that the first lady was transgender.

The Macrons have also filed a case in America for defamation involving a conservative podcaster who promoted the theory.

The legal filing clarifies that the accusation is completely false and notes that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• One defendant, holding a public position, stated he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as satirical.
• A fiction writer claimed that his online activity were meant to be "satire" and highlighted apprehension that the legal action could endanger "freedom of expression".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared information as he believed it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Past Context

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's gender circulated in part because their marriage has frequently been a subject of discussion online.

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

Their bond evolved through drama activities, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the false claims have produced a "storm that never stops" for the first lady.