Monday, 25 May 2026
Conservative political commentator Candace Owens speaks during an event held by national conservative political movement 'Turning Point', in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., June, 14, 2024. REUTERS
French President, wife file U.S. lawsuit against Candace Owens
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, following her claim that France’s first lady was born male, according to Reuters.
The lawsuit, submitted Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court, accuses Owens of orchestrating a "campaign of global humiliation" and engaging in "relentless bullying" as part of an effort to boost her podcast and grow her "frenzied" audience.
Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron assert that Owens repeatedly spread the falsehood that Brigitte Macron, 72, was originally named Jean-Michel Trogneux—the true name of Brigitte's older brother.
"Whenever the Macrons step outside their home, they do so knowing that countless individuals have heard and many believe these vile fabrications," the lawsuit states. "It is invasive, dehumanizing, and profoundly unfair."
Owens did not immediately respond to requests for comment via email. Macron’s office also declined to comment.
The complaint lists 22 counts and is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
Such defamation lawsuits are uncommon among world leaders. In a notable parallel, former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed several defamation suits, including one last week against The Wall Street Journal’s publisher.
To win a defamation case in the U.S., public figures like the Macrons and Trump must demonstrate "actual malice"—meaning the defendant knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.