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Brigitte Macron's daughter, her daughter, testified to a Paris court that false claims circulating on the internet—including the unfounded rumor that the French first lady is transgender—have negatively impacted her mother's personal well-being.

She, a attorney, served as a witness in the court case of a group of defendants allegedly involved in online harassment directed at the first lady.

Consequences on Daily Life

She explained that her mother now feels perpetual anxiety about how she looks, including her attire to the way she carries herself, as a result of the fear that any image could be misused to fuel malicious comments.

"The consequence is that she systematically has to pay attention to her clothing, how she holds herself, irrespective of her activities in everyday routine," she told the court.

Those on Trial and Allegations

Ten individuals, aged 41 to 60, are in court for digital abuse. Several had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

All is alleged to have making malicious comments about the first lady's identity. For some, this extended to comparing the disparity in years with her husband to offensive labels.

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

Family Impact

She, a family member from her mother's initial union, stated how the false claims have led to a "worsening of her well-being" and a "deterioration of her daily happiness".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when a person fails to mention the issue to her."

She emphasized the impact on her relatives, for example the younger generation being exposed to false assertions like "Brigitte is deceptive" or "Your grandmother is actually a man".

"She has no idea how to end it," she testified. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for anything, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Legal Battle Context

This case represents a recent development in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron was transgender.

The couple have also filed a US lawsuit over false statements against a media personality who promoted the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the allegation is completely false and identifies that the name mentioned is really Brigitte Macron's sibling.

Defendants' Responses

During the trial, several defendants disputed the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, asserted he "never intended to inflict damage" and referred to his posts as ironic.
• A well-known publicist argued that his posts were intended as "humor" and expressed concern that the case could endanger "freedom of expression".
• Another individual testified he posted information because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "implications for the country".

Relationship Background

The inaccurate claim concerning Brigitte Macron's identity circulated in part because their marriage has long been a point of interest online.

The first lady, who is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron, first met him when serving as a educator at his school.

Their relationship grew through the school's theatre programme, and they married in 2007, after her separation.

Auzière wrapped up her account by stating that the false claims have caused a "whirlwind that does not cease" for Brigitte Macron.