Macron Couple Sues Candace Owens Over Defamation Claims

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are pursuing a defamation lawsuit against U.S. right-wing influencer Candace Owens. The couple alleges that Owens has repeatedly claimed that Brigitte was born male, a statement they categorically deny. The lawsuit, filed in July 2025 in Delaware, seeks to counter what the Macrons describe as a "campaign of global humiliation" and "relentless bullying" stemming from Owens' assertions.

NewsweekNationalWorldNew York PostMacron: ‘The First Lady Is a Woman’Daily MailPolitico EuropeEmmanuel Macron’s wife Brigitte to present ‘scientific and photographic evidence’ to ‘prove’ she is a womanWIONMacron to present ‘scientific evidence’ to US court over first lady’s gender identity

The Macrons plan to present both photographic and scientific evidence in court to substantiate their claims regarding Brigitte's gender identity. Their attorney, Tom Clare, indicated that the evidence would include expert testimony and images of Brigitte during her pregnancies and raising their children. Clare emphasized that the couple is prepared to demonstrate "both generically and specifically" that Owens' allegations are false. He noted that the process would be "incredibly upsetting" for Brigitte, who is resolute in her commitment to set the record straight.

Pink News

The claims regarding Brigitte Macron's gender identity originated in fringe online spaces, notably through a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey. The Macrons previously won a defamation case against Roy and Rey in 2024, but that ruling was overturned on appeal in 2025 on freedom of expression grounds. The couple is currently appealing that decision.

French president reaffirms Brigitte Macron is a woman; to present ‘scientific evidence’ to clear ‘upsetting’ rumoursBBC NewsEmmanuel Macron’s wife Brigitte to present ‘scientific and photographic evidence’ to ‘prove’ she is a womanNew York Daily NewsGB NewsNationalWorldFrench President to present photographic, scientific evidence to prove his wife is a ‘woman’ in defamation caseLADbibleWION

Owens has amplified these claims, stating in March 2024 that she would "stake [her] entire professional reputation" on the assertion that Brigitte is a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux. This assertion has been a focal point of Owens' media presence, including an eight-part podcast series titled "Becoming Brigitte."

New York Daily News

Tom Clare, the Macrons' lawyer, expressed that the allegations have been "incredibly upsetting" for the couple and a "distraction" for President Macron. He stated, "When your family is under attack, it wears on you. And he's not immune from that because he's the president of a country." Emmanuel Macron has characterized the claims as "nonsense" and a deliberate attempt to harm his wife's reputation.

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Owens' legal team has responded with a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the case lacks jurisdiction in Delaware and asserting that it is a politically motivated attempt to suppress free speech. They contend that the lawsuit is baseless and that Owens has a right to express her views.

Daily Beast

Critics of the Macrons' lawsuit argue that it raises questions about free speech and the implications of public figures suing for defamation. Owens' supporters assert that the case is an attempt to silence dissenting voices and that the allegations, while unfounded, are part of a broader discourse on gender identity and public scrutiny.

Daily Beast

The upcoming court proceedings will focus on the admissibility of the evidence presented by the Macrons and whether the case will proceed in Delaware. The outcome could set a precedent regarding the intersection of defamation law and free speech, particularly in cases involving public figures. The Macrons remain committed to proving the falsity of Owens' claims and restoring Brigitte's reputation.

Macron to present ‘scientific evidence’ to US court over first lady’s gender identity