Candace Owens Sues Macron Over Claim About France's First Lady's Gender

Legal Battle Begins: Macron and His Wife Take On Candace Owens

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, have launched a high-profile legal battle against US conservative influencer Candace Owens. The couple has filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens for claiming that the French first lady was born male. This case, submitted in Delaware, highlights the serious nature of the allegations and the impact they have had on the Macrons.

The lawsuit condemns Owens for spreading what the Macrons describe as "outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions." These claims stem from a long-standing conspiracy theory circulating in digital forums. The theory suggests that Brigitte Macron was originally born with the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is her brother's name. Owens, who has a large following on social media, has repeatedly promoted this idea as truth.

In March 2024, Owens went as far as declaring she would risk her "entire professional reputation" on her belief that Mrs. Macron is a man. This statement further escalated the controversy surrounding the case. Owens also produced a video series titled Becoming Brigitte, which continued to spread these claims to her 7 million followers on X.

The Macrons have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Owens' actions. Their legal representatives issued a formal declaration stating that they have consistently asked for a retraction of the allegations. However, after Owens refused to comply, they decided to take legal action. The statement emphasized that Owens’ campaign of defamation was intended to harass and cause pain to the Macrons and their families, while also seeking attention and notoriety.

In court documents, the lawsuit claims that Owens disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim. Instead, she chose to platform known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers. The legal action directly charges Owens with falsely suggesting that the French president and his wife share blood relations. It also criticizes her assertions that Emmanuel Macron was placed in power through a covert CIA scheme.

The Macrons are pursuing unspecified monetary compensation for the allegations. To succeed under US law, they must demonstrate "actual malice," which means proving that Owens knew the information was untrue but published it anyway.

This case is not without precedent. In September 2024, two women in France were convicted of libel for making similar statements about Brigitte Macron. However, the verdict was later challenged and reversed in July.

Candace Owens has long been a divisive figure in political circles. She has worked with various conservative groups, including the student organization Turning Point and media company Daily Wire. Before launching her independent podcast in 2024, she was involved with these organizations. Beyond her claims about the Macrons, Owens has also propagated rumors on other topics, including conspiracy theories related to vaccines, the moon landings, and even the Holocaust.

On a personal level, Owens is married to George Farmer, a British-American entrepreneur. He is the son of Baron Michael Farmer, a member of the House of Lords and former treasurer of the Conservative Party. This connection adds another layer to the complexity of Owens' influence and background.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the Macrons' claims. The case underscores the broader issue of misinformation and its impact on public figures, especially those in the spotlight. With the stakes so high, both sides are likely to present compelling arguments in an effort to protect their reputations and interests.