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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, has told a judicial body in Paris that false claims spread through social media—including the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have severely damaged her mother's daily existence.

She, a attorney, appeared as a testifier in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in digital bullying against Brigitte Macron.

Effects on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now is always concerned about her demeanor, including her attire to her posture, because of the concern that every photograph could be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The outcome is that she systematically has to pay attention to her outfits, her body language, irrespective of she's doing in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Accused Individuals and Charges

Eight men and two women, between 41 and 60 years old, are on trial for online harassment. Several had modest digital reach, while the rest were better known.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about Brigitte Macron's personal life. Among them, this involved equating the disparity in years with the French president to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they face a maximum of two years in incarceration.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have led to a "deterioration of her well-being" and a "worsening of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person does not talk this to her."

She pointed out the impact on the family, such as her grandchildren being exposed to false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to stop it," she testified. "She holds no office, she never asked for public attention, and she is constantly facing these assaults."

Legal Battle Background

This case is part of an ongoing effort in a wider judicial fight addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is supposedly male.

They have also filed a legal action in the United States for defamation involving a political commentator who promoted the allegation.

The case states that the accusation is completely false and identifies that the individual referenced is actually Brigitte Macron's brother.

Defendants' Responses

In court, a few individuals disputed the accusations.

• A retired business owner, serving as a local official, claimed he "never intended to cause harm" and described his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer stated that his posts were presented as "satire" and voiced worry that the case could undermine "free speech".
• An art gallery owner explained he disseminated information as he believed it was an international matter with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The false theory about Brigitte Macron's gender gained traction to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has often been a topic of comment on the internet.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when working as a teacher at the institution he attended.

Their bond evolved through theatrical projects, and they married in the following year, following Brigitte Macron's marriage dissolution.

Auzière finished her statement by saying that the inaccurate allegations have created a "whirlwind that does not cease" for her mother.