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The French first lady's child, her daughter, testified to a tribunal in Paris that false claims circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that she had a male birth identity—have negatively impacted her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the legal proceedings of a group of defendants accused of digital bullying directed at her mother.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She stated that Brigitte Macron now worries constantly about how she looks, from the clothes she wears to how she stands, due to the concern that each snapshot might be distorted to support hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she constantly needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Accusations

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more visible.

Every defendant is charged with posting harmful statements about the first lady's identity. Among them, this extended to equating the age gap with the French president to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's previous marriage, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her health" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She said, "Hardly a day goes by when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, including her grandchildren being exposed to malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is your grandfather".

"She is unsure how to stop it," she stated. "She's not elected, she has not sought any of this, and she is permanently experiencing these assaults."

Legal Battle Context

This case is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that the first lady is a man.

They have initiated a legal action in the United States for defamation targeting a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The case asserts that the claim is entirely inaccurate and identifies that the name mentioned is really her older brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

During the trial, several defendants denied the allegations.

• One defendant, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to cause harm" and described his social media content as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his social media shares were presented as "irony" and voiced worry that the case could threaten "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he shared posts since he thought it was a global issue with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor regarding Brigitte Macron's sex spread to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has frequently been a topic of comment on the internet.

She, being significantly older than the president, originally knew Emmanuel Macron when serving as a educator at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, subsequent to her divorce.

She wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have created a "storm that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.