Ten people accused of sexist cyber-bullying of the French president's wife, Brigitte Macron, are due to go on trial this week in Paris.
The defendants are accused of spreading unsubstantiated claims over her gender and sexuality, as well as making malicious remarks about the 24-year age gap between Brigitte and her husband, Emmanuel Macron.
If found guilty, the defendants face up to two years' imprisonment.
Among the ten people due to appear in the dock are an elected official, a gallery owner, and a teacher, according to French media.
Two of the defendants - self-styled independent journalist Natacha Rey and internet fortune-teller Amandine Roy - were previously found guilty of slander last year for alleging that France's first lady had never existed, and that her brother had changed gender. However, a court later acquitted them, stating their claims did not amount to defamation. The Macron family is appealing this decision.
A long-standing conspiracy theory suggests that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman and has gained traction, especially in the US, led by right-wing figures such as Candace Owens.
In response, the Macrons filed a lawsuit against Owens, asserting that she ignored credible evidence debunking her claims in favor of promoting conspiracy theorists.
Brigitte Macron has found the rumors "incredibly upsetting," according to the couple's lawyer, who noted that it is distressing for her to have to validate her identity publicly.
Emmanuel Macron emphasized that pursuing legal action against Owen is about defending his honor against false allegations that aim to inflict harm.
The couple first met when Brigitte was Emmanuel's teacher. They married in 2007 when he was 29 and she was 54.
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