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The French first lady's child, her daughter, has told a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—among them the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, appeared as a witness in the trial of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Personal Routine

She explained that the first lady now worries constantly about her appearance, from her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, due to the apprehension that each snapshot might be manipulated to advance hateful attacks.

"The result is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her posture, no matter what her activities in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Those on Trial and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were more prominent.

Every defendant is accused of making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included comparing the disparity in years with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

If found responsible, they face up to two years in jail.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, described how the false claims have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "worsening of her quality of life".

She said, "Not a day goes by when someone avoids discussing the issue to her."

Auzière pointed out the impact on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to hurtful comments like "She is lying" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She is unsure what to do about it," she testified. "She holds no office, she didn't pursue public attention, and she is continually subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight against the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly a man.

The couple have also filed a case in America for defamation against a conservative podcaster who amplified the allegation.

The case states that the accusation is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the person cited is really her older brother.

Defendants' Responses

Throughout the proceedings, some of the accused disputed the accusations.

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "did not mean to inflict damage" and referred to his social media content as humorous.
• A well-known publicist claimed that his social media shares were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the legal action could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant said he posted posts since he thought it was a worldwide topic with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The false theory concerning the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because their union has frequently been a point of interest on the internet.

The first lady, being 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met the future president when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in that year, after her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.