Macrons Intensify Defamation Battle Against Candace Owens Amid Persistent Gender Conspiracy Theories

PARIS/DELAWARE – French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have expanded their high-profile defamation lawsuit against U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens, accusing her of orchestrating a "smear campaign" driven by financial gain. The amended complaint, filed in late September in Delaware's Superior Court, alleges that Owens deliberately amplified baseless claims that Brigitte Macron is transgender, despite repeated demands to retract the statements. The case, which pits a world leader against a prominent online influencer, highlights the cross-border challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age.

Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron,

The controversy stems from a conspiracy theory that originated in French far-right circles in 2021, falsely asserting that Brigitte Macron, born Brigitte Trogneux in 1953, was actually born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux—her brother's name—and transitioned in the 1980s. These claims have been repeatedly debunked, with evidence including birth records, family photos, and Brigitte's well-documented life as a teacher and mother of three from a previous marriage. Owens revived the rumor in March 2025 through a YouTube series titled "Becoming Brigitte," where she described it as potentially "the biggest scandal in political history." The videos, viewed by millions, were accompanied by merchandise sales, including T-shirts mocking the French First Lady.

In their updated lawsuit, the Macrons claim Owens "doubled down" on the falsehoods to boost her audience and revenue, ignoring cease-and-desist letters. The complaint now includes 22 counts of defamation, false light invasion of privacy, and defamation by implication, seeking punitive damages and compensation for reputational harm that has affected their personal and professional lives. "This is not just about misinformation; it's a calculated effort to profit from lies," said the Macrons' attorney, Tom Clare, in a statement. The couple has pledged to present "photographic and scientific evidence" in court, potentially including medical documentation, to prove Brigitte was born female.

Candace Owens

Owens has defended her claims as investigative journalism.

Owens, who has nearly 4.5 million YouTube subscribers and a strong presence on X (formerly Twitter), has dismissed the suit as "quintessential libel tourism," suggesting it's an attempt to bypass France's stricter statute of limitations for defamation claims. In recent social media posts, she has continued to promote the theory, even demanding that Brigitte undergo an invasive medical exam to "prove" her gender amid the ongoing litigation. Owens' legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that her statements are protected under U.S. free speech laws, but no ruling has been issued as of early October.

The lawsuit was initially filed in July 2025 in Delaware, a venue chosen for its business-friendly courts and ties to media companies. Legal experts note that while France has secured convictions in similar domestic cases—such as fining two women €8,000 in September 2024 for spreading the rumor—the U.S. action allows for broader discovery, potentially forcing Owens to disclose her research and earnings from the content.

Recent public appearances by the Macrons, including at a Luxembourg gala on October 5, have drawn renewed attention to the case. Brigitte Macron stepped out alongside her husband, appearing composed despite the scrutiny. Social media reactions remain polarized, with some users criticizing Owens for promoting debunked theories, while others echo her claims or defend her right to speculate.

As the case progresses without a set trial date, it underscores the tensions between free expression and accountability in an era of viral conspiracies. Owens has shown no signs of backing down, continuing to monetize the controversy through her platforms. The Macrons, meanwhile, maintain that the suit is a "last resort" to end the harassment and restore their dignit