Macrons vs. Owens: Fighting Defamation in Court
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are taking legal action against right-wing influencer Candace Owens for spreading false claims that Mrs Macron was born male. The Macrons plan to present photographic and scientific evidence in a US court to refute these allegations. Their lawyer, Tom Clare, emphasized the emotional toll these claims have taken on Mrs Macron and the distraction it has caused for the French president. The couple is determined to prove the allegations false and set the record straight through expert testimony and evidence.
The legal battle stems from Owens' repeated assertions that Brigitte Macron is a man, a claim she has staunchly defended despite evidence to the contrary. The Macrons previously won a defamation case in France against individuals who propagated similar falsehoods, but the ruling was overturned on appeal in 2025. In response to Owens' continued dissemination of the false information, the Macrons filed a lawsuit in the US, alleging that Owens knowingly spread misinformation to harm them.
In American defamation cases involving public figures, plaintiffs must demonstrate "actual malice," proving that the defendant knowingly disseminated false information or acted recklessly. Emmanuel Macron has expressed his commitment to defending his honor and reputation against baseless accusations. Owens' legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the case should not be heard in Delaware, where it was filed, due to operational and financial burdens.
The Macrons are prepared to face the challenges of the legal process to vindicate Mrs Macron and put an end to the harmful misinformation. Despite the discomfort of publicly presenting evidence to refute the claims, Mrs Macron is resolute in her determination to set the record straight. The case highlights the importance of upholding truth and integrity in the face of defamation and false allegations.