Ten people who made gender-discriminatory and harassing comments about French First Lady Brigitte Macron online were charged in court on the 27th.
The ten individuals consist of eight men and two women, aged between 41 and 60. They stood trial at the Paris Criminal Court on the 27th local time. If convicted, they could face up to two years in prison.
The First Lady's lawyer told AFP that Brigitte is not expected to appear in court, but her daughter may testify on the 28th.
The defendants are accused of making numerous negative comments about Brigitte's gender and sexual orientation, even equating the age gap between her and her husband, Macron, to "pedophilia."
Rumors about Brigitte's gender have intensified online, with many claiming she was born male and is transgender.
There are rumors that Brigitte was born with the name Trogneux, but that is actually her brother's name. The 72-year-old has also long faced criticism over the 24-year age gap with Macron.