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Brigitte Macron's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations spread through social media—including the unfounded rumor that Brigitte Macron was born a man—have severely damaged her mother's personal well-being.

Auzière, a attorney, served as a testifier in the legal proceedings of ten people accused of digital bullying against the first lady.

Effects on Daily Life

Auzière testified that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her fashion choices to her posture, due to the fear that any image may be misused to fuel hateful attacks.

"The consequence is that she systematically needs to be careful to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in everyday routine," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants, in that age range, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had limited online influence, while several more were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. Among them, this included comparing her age difference with Emmanuel Macron to inappropriate terms.

If convicted, they may be sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, one of three children from Brigitte Macron's initial union, explained how the baseless rumors have led to a "decline of her physical state" and a "decline of her overall existence".

She explained, "Not a day goes by when a person fails to mention these claims to her."

She highlighted the repercussions on loved ones, including the kids hearing malicious statements like "Your grandmother is lying" or "She is actually a man".

"She does not know what to do about it," she stated. "She's not elected, she didn't pursue anything, and she is permanently subjected to these attacks."

Judicial Proceedings Context

The Paris trial represents a recent development in a extended court case targeting the false claim that Brigitte Macron was a man.

The couple have also filed a legal action in the United States over false statements targeting a conservative podcaster who spread the claim.

The case states that the accusation is totally unfounded and notes that the individual referenced is in fact her brother.

Accused Individuals' Statements

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

• An individual, holding a public position, asserted he "had no purpose to hurt anyone" and described his posts as humorous.
• Another defendant stated that his posts were presented as "satire" and expressed concern that the case could undermine "freedom of expression".
• A third defendant said he disseminated content because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Past Context

The inaccurate claim about the first lady's gender circulated to some extent because the Macrons' relationship has long been a topic of comment on the internet.

The first lady, who is significantly older than her husband, initially encountered the future president when working as a educator at his school.

Their relationship developed through the school's theatre programme, and they wed in 2007, subsequent to her divorce.

Auzière wrapped up her statement by expressing that the false claims have produced a "chaos that never stops" for Brigitte Macron.