Macron Sues Right-Wing Podcaster Over Claim About First Lady's Gender

A Defamation Lawsuit Involving French Leaders and an American Influencer

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have taken legal action against Candace Owens, a prominent right-wing influencer and podcaster. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, centers on allegations that Owens spread false information about Brigitte Macron, including claims that she is male. This legal move has sparked significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.

The Macrons' complaint highlights what they describe as a "campaign of global humiliation" orchestrated by Owens. They argue that her actions are aimed at promoting her podcast and growing her fan base. According to the complaint, Owens has made several false assertions, including that Brigitte Macron was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is actually the name of her older brother. The Macrons claim that Owens has twisted details about their lives, relationships, and family history into a narrative meant to provoke and degrade.

Owens responded to the lawsuit, stating that it is filled with factual inaccuracies and part of a "desperate public relations strategy." She claimed not to have known about the lawsuit beforehand, despite ongoing communications between the legal teams since January. A spokesperson for Owens criticized the lawsuit, suggesting it was an attempt to bully her. The spokesperson also noted that Brigitte Macron had previously rejected Owens’ requests for interviews.

In a joint statement from their lawyers, the Macrons explained that they initiated the lawsuit after Owens refused to retract defamatory statements. They argued that Owens' campaign was designed to harass them and gain attention, and that they had given her multiple opportunities to correct the misinformation.

High Legal Standards and Previous Cases

This case represents a rare instance of a world leader pursuing a defamation lawsuit in the United States. Similar cases include former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has faced numerous legal challenges over alleged defamation. For example, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, accusing it of defaming him by reporting he created a lewd birthday greeting for Jeffrey Epstein. The Journal has stated its intention to defend itself against the case.

In another instance, Trump reached a $15 million settlement with ABC, owned by Walt Disney, over a claim that a jury found him liable for rape rather than sexual assault in a civil lawsuit. These cases highlight the complexities of defamation law in the U.S., where public figures must prove that the defendant acted with "actual malice," meaning they knew the information was false or showed reckless disregard for the truth.

Owens, with a large following on social media platforms like X and YouTube, has been a significant voice in the conservative space. Her influence underscores the potential impact of her statements on public perception.

Focus on Specific Content and Broader Context

The Macrons' lawsuit specifically targets Owens' eight-part podcast titled "Becoming Brigitte," which has garnered over 2.3 million views on YouTube. The complaint alleges that this content spreads "verifiably false and devastating lies," including claims that Brigitte Macron stole another person's identity and transitioned to female. It also accuses Owens of spreading rumors that the Macrons are blood relatives involved in incest.

The complaint provides background on how the Macrons met, noting that President Macron was a high school student when he first encountered Brigitte, who was a teacher at the time. It asserts that their relationship remained within the bounds of the law.

False speculation about Brigitte Macron's gender began gaining traction in 2021, and the topic has been discussed on popular podcasts hosted by Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan, both of whom have large conservative audiences. In September, Brigitte won a lawsuit in a French court against two women, including a self-described medium, who contributed to spreading these rumors. However, an appeals court recently overturned that decision, and Brigitte has appealed to France's highest court.

The case is currently pending in the Delaware Superior Court under the docket number N25C-07-194.