Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the groundless claim that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.
Auzière, a legal professional, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people allegedly involved in online harassment targeting the first lady.
She stated that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about her demeanor, from her fashion choices to how she stands, as a result of the fear that every photograph may be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.
"The result is that she constantly must be cautious to what she wears, her posture, no matter what her activities in day-to-day existence," she told the court.
The defendants, in that age range, are in court for online harassment. Several had a small social media following, while the rest were better known.
All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's gender and sexuality. In certain cases, this involved linking her age difference with her husband to inappropriate terms.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to as much as 24 months in jail.
Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have caused a "worsening of her health" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".
She testified, "Not a day passes when an individual avoids discussing this to her."
She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is deceptive" or "Your grandmother was born male".
"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She's not elected, she has not sought public attention, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."
The Paris trial represents a recent development in a broader legal battle against the baseless theory that the first lady is a man.
The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements against a media personality who spread the theory.
The legal filing states that the allegation is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is in fact her brother.
During the trial, several defendants denied the accusations.
The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion online.
The first lady, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered him when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.
Their bond developed through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, after her separation.
She concluded her testimony by expressing that the false claims have created a "whirlwind that continues endlessly" for Brigitte Macron.
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