French First Lady Brigitte Macron and President Emmanuel Macron filed a comprehensive 218-page defamation lawsuit against conservative commentator Candace Owens in Delaware Superior Court on Wednesday. The legal action directly challenges Owens’ repeated claims about the French First Lady’s gender identity.
The lawsuit includes 22 distinct counts against Owens, encompassing defamation, false light, and defamation by implication charges. Legal experts note that while world leaders have pursued similar cases historically, such direct legal action against American media personalities remains relatively uncommon in international politics.
Legal Battle Escalates Over Transgender Claims
The controversy began earlier this year when Owens released a video titled “Becoming Brigitte: An Introduction” rehashing claims that Macron was born a man and previously went by Jean-Michel Trogneux. The far-right commentator has since expanded these allegations across multiple platforms, creating what the lawsuit describes as a sustained campaign.
The complaint accuses Owens of using her social media platforms and podcast to spread knowingly false, transphobic conspiracy theories for profit. Court documents reveal the Macrons’ legal team has compiled extensive evidence contradicting Owens’ assertions.
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Key Points Summary
- Legal Filing: 218-page lawsuit filed Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court
- Charges: 22 counts including defamation, false light, and defamation by implication
- Timeline: Controversy began with January 2025 video series “Becoming Brigitte”
- Platform Reach: Claims spread across YouTube, podcasts, and social media
- Legal Response: Owens’ representatives say she will address the lawsuit on her podcast
International Implications and Media Response
According to court filings, “Owens disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favor of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers.” The lawsuit emphasizes that the Macrons attempted other remedies before pursuing legal action in American courts.
The defamation lawsuit specifically accuses Owens of spreading a “grotesque narrative” across multiple platforms in what attorneys describe as a “campaign of global humiliation.” This characterization highlights the international scope of the alleged defamation.
The case presents unique jurisdictional challenges, as it involves French public figures suing an American media personality in US courts. Legal analysts suggest this could establish important precedents for how international figures address online defamation campaigns.
Owens’ Response and Platform Strategy
A spokesperson for BCC Communications, representing Owens, told media outlets that “Candace will be officially responding to this on her podcast today, as we are just learning about this in the press.” This indicates Owens plans to address the legal challenge directly through her established media channels.
The timing of the lawsuit coincides with increased scrutiny of conspiracy theories targeting public figures. Owens’ “investigative series” based on debunked conspiracy theories has been circulating widely on TikTok and other social platforms, amplifying the reach of the contested claims.
Previous confrontations over these allegations included a televised challenge from broadcaster Piers Morgan, who offered a $100,000 charity bet disputing Owens’ claims about the French First Lady’s gender identity.
Legal Precedent and Future Implications
The Delaware court filing represents a significant escalation in efforts to combat online misinformation targeting political figures. The lawsuit cites “outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions” while noting that the “campaign of defamation was designed to harass and cause pain.”
Court observers anticipate this case could influence how other international figures address similar online campaigns. The comprehensive nature of the 218-page filing suggests the Macrons’ legal team has prepared extensively for potential First Amendment defenses.
The case also highlights growing tensions between free speech protections and defamation law in the digital age, particularly when conspiracy theories cross international boundaries through social media platforms.
As this legal battle unfolds, it promises to generate significant attention from media law experts and international relations observers. Stay tuned for updates as both sides prepare their arguments for what could become a landmark defamation case.