Candace Owens Lawsuit: French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have launched a rare defamation lawsuit in Delaware, suing U.S. podcaster Candace Owens. The 22-count, 218‑page complaint accuses Owens of maliciously spreading false claims that Brigitte Macron was “born male” under her brother’s name. It marks an uncommon case of a sitting world leader slapping a U.S. commentator with legal action aimed at safeguarding personal reputation and combating growing online disinformation.
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Hook: Mention the rarity of a French President suing an American commentator.
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Why it matters: The case underscores global concerns about misinformation, defamation law, and online accountability
Candace Owens Lawsuit: What’s the Lawsuit About
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Filed July 23, 2025, in Delaware Superior Court
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22 counts alleging a “campaign of global humiliation”
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Central claim: Owens repeated the debunked rumor that Brigitte Macron was born Jean‑Michel Trogneux
Background on the Rumor
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The “Brigitte born male” conspiracy has been swirling in France since 2021, gaining momentum via fringe influencers
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Brigitte previously sued in France and initially won—but lost on appeal in July 2025
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Owens escalated the narrative with her eight-part series “Becoming Brigitte,” working overtime to spread it
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Why a U.S. Lawsuit Now?
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U.S. defamation law demands proof of “actual malice” from public figures
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Macrons allege Owens ignored multiple retraction requests and repeated claims to gain fame
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They’re pursuing unspecified compensatory and punitive damages
Candace Owens Lawsuit: Implications & Broader Context
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Rare example of a sitting global leader suing a U.S. media figure—similar only to Trump suits
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Reflects a surge in high‑profile defamation cases fueled by social media-era conspiracy theories
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Highlights tension between free speech and reputational harm online
What’s Next
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Owens has yet to respond formally but signaled she’ll address it on her podcast
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A jury trial likely ahead, with the Macrons potentially appearing in Delaware court
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Watch for how “actual malice” will be proven—Owens’ intent and sourcing will be scrutinized
Recap rarity of the suit and its significance in the digital age .Encourage readers to reflect: Should online commentators face legal accountability for widely disseminating unverified conspiracies?