Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, informed a Paris court that misleading allegations online—such as the groundless claim that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have negatively impacted her mother's quality of life.
She, a 41-year-old lawyer, appeared as a witness in the court case of 10 individuals accused of online harassment targeting the first lady.
She stated that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, including her fashion choices to the way she carries herself, as a result of the apprehension that any image could be misused to support negative campaigns.
"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, how she holds herself, no matter what her actions in her daily life," Auzière told the court.
Eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, are facing charges for digital abuse. A few had a small social media following, while several more were more prominent.
Each one is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. For some, this extended to equating the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.
If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail.
She, a daughter from her mother's initial union, stated how the baseless rumors have led to a "deterioration of her health" and a "decline of her quality of life".
She testified, "Scarcely a day passes when an individual avoids discussing these claims to her."
Auzière pointed out the effects on her relatives, for example the younger generation learning about hurtful comments like "Your grandmother is lying" or "Your grandmother is your grandfather".
"She is unsure how to end it," Auzière testified. "She didn't run for election, she has not sought any of this, and she is constantly experiencing these attacks."
The legal proceedings is the latest phase in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that the first lady is transgender.
The couple have also filed a case in America over false statements involving a political commentator who amplified the theory.
The legal filing clarifies that the claim is entirely inaccurate and notes that the name mentioned is really her brother.
During the trial, a few individuals rejected the accusations.
The inaccurate claim regarding Brigitte Macron's identity circulated to some extent because their marriage has often been a subject of discussion online.
She, who is two decades older than the president, first met the future president when serving as a teacher at his secondary school.
Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they wed in that year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.
Auzière finished her account by saying that the baseless rumors have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.
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