French President Sues Candace Owens Over Claims About His Wife

The Legal Battle Over a Controversial Conspiracy Theory

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, have taken legal action against right-wing podcaster Candace Owens in the United States. The couple filed a 22-count defamation lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court, alleging that Owens has spread false claims about Brigitte being a man. This case highlights the ongoing conflict between public figures and individuals who propagate controversial narratives.

The lawsuit was initiated after Owens promoted a conspiracy theory that gained traction online. In March, she released a YouTube video titled “Is France’s First Lady a Man?” which sparked widespread discussion on platforms like X. Owens claimed this was “the biggest scandal in political history.” Since then, she has continued to produce content about Brigitte Macron, including a multi-part series called “Becoming Brigitte,” and even sold merchandise that supported the claim.

Macron’s legal team, led by attorney Tom Clare, stated that they had previously asked Owens to cease making these allegations. However, when she refused, the Macrons decided to take legal action as a “last resort.” The complaint argues that Owens was the first to bring these baseless claims to an international audience, causing significant harm to the couple.

The lawsuit seeks punitive damages and claims that the Macrons have suffered economic losses, including missed business opportunities. Clare emphasized that the couple has endured “substantial economic damages” due to the false statements. He also highlighted the emotional toll of the situation, noting that the Macrons are not just public figures but also human beings with private lives.

Owens responded to the lawsuit by posting on Instagram a screenshot of an article referencing the case and a photo of the Macrons with the caption: “I will be coming for this wig today. Stay tuned.” She later released a YouTube video calling the lawsuit “an obvious and desperate public relations strategy.”

In addition to this case, Brigitte Macron previously sued two French women for spreading similar claims in 2022. Although she won the initial case, the women successfully appealed, and the matter is now heading to a higher court. This shows that the issue of false accusations against public figures is not isolated to one individual or country.

The legal documents provided by Clare included “incontrovertible evidence” that disproves Owens’ claims. The evidence reportedly shows that Brigitte Macron was born a woman named Brigitte Trogneux, that she is not a blood relative of President Macron, and that the couple is not being controlled or blackmailed by any external forces.

The lawsuit also accuses Owens of using the false narrative to boost her platform, gain notoriety, and generate income. According to the complaint, these claims have caused “tremendous damage” to the Macrons, affecting their personal and professional lives.

Clare further explained that the impact of such defamatory statements extends beyond public perception. He noted that the Macrons face constant scrutiny whenever they leave their home, knowing that many people believe the false stories. This, he said, is “invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust.”

The Macrons are seeking punitive damages for 22 counts of defamation, false light, and defamation by implication. While the exact amount of money sought remains undisclosed, Clare warned that if Owens continues to promote the claims, the financial consequences could be severe.

During a Paris event in March 2024, Macron addressed the rumors surrounding his wife, stating that the worst part of being a president is dealing with “false information and fabricated stories.” He expressed concern that such narratives disrupt even the most private moments of a leader's life.

France’s Elysee Palace described the lawsuit as a “private affair” and declined to comment on the matter. This response underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the potential implications for public figures facing legal challenges over personal attacks.