Macron sues Candace Owens over shocking allegations that France's first lady was born male

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have filed a defamation lawsuit against U.S. right-wing influencer Candace Owens. The case was filed on Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court (U.S.), not in France.

The lawsuit accuses Owens of spreading false and harmful claims that Brigitte Macron was born male, under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, who is actually Brigitte’s older brother. The Macrons called Owens’ actions a “campaign of global humiliation” and “relentless bullying” aimed at growing her podcast and social media following, as per the CTV News report.

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Macron's say Owens’ claims hurt them deeply

The complaint says these lies have made it emotionally difficult for the couple, saying “Every time the Macrons leave their home... people believe these vile fabrications.” The Macrons said the situation is “invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust.”

Owens has not yet responded to any emails or questions about the case. Macron’s office also declined to comment publicly on the lawsuit. The lawsuit includes 22 separate claims and asks for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, according to the CTV News report.

Rare lawsuit by a world leader

This is a rare move by a sitting world leader, as defamation lawsuits by heads of state are uncommon. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump has also filed several defamation cases, including one just last week against The Wall Street Journal’s publisher, as per the reports.

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Under U.S. law, public figures like Macron must prove “actual malice” — meaning they must show the person knew the claims were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth, according to the report by CTV News.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Emmanuel Macron suing Candace Owens?
Macron is suing Owens for spreading false claims that his wife Brigitte was born male, which he says is damaging and untrue.

Q2. Where was the Macron lawsuit filed against Candace Owens?
The lawsuit was filed in Delaware Superior Court in the United States.