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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a judicial body in Paris that inaccurate assertions circulating on the internet—including the groundless claim that the French first lady was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, was called as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment directed at Brigitte Macron.

Consequences on Everyday Activities

She testified that her mother now is always concerned about her appearance, from her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image might be manipulated to fuel malicious comments.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of her actions in day-to-day existence," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Charges

Ten individuals, between 41 and 60 years old, are facing charges for internet-based bullying. Several had limited online influence, while others were better known.

All is accused of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this involved comparing the disparity in years with Emmanuel Macron to hurtful comparisons.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in jail.

Consequences for Loved Ones

Auzière, one of three children from her mother's initial union, described how the baseless rumors have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her daily happiness".

She explained, "Hardly a day goes by when an individual fails to mention these claims to her."

Auzière emphasized the repercussions on the family, such as the kids being exposed to malicious statements like "Brigitte is not truthful" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," she testified. "She's not elected, she never asked for public attention, and she is permanently facing these attacks."

Court Case Context

The Paris trial is the latest phase in a wider judicial fight addressing the inaccurate allegation that Brigitte Macron is male.

The couple have initiated a case in America alleging slander involving a conservative podcaster who spread the theory.

The legal filing states that the claim is totally unfounded and identifies that the name mentioned is actually Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

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

• An individual, now a deputy mayor, stated he "never intended to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant claimed that his posts were meant to be "irony" and highlighted apprehension that the trial could endanger "free speech".
• Another individual explained he posted information since he thought it was a global issue with "impact on the nation".

Relationship Background

The baseless rumor concerning Brigitte Macron's gender spread partly because their union has often been a topic of comment in digital spaces.

She, being two decades older than Emmanuel Macron, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his secondary school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they entered into marriage in that year, following her separation.

Auzière finished her testimony by stating that the baseless rumors have created a "chaos that continues endlessly" for the first lady.