French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have taken legal action in the United States against right-wing commentator Candace Owens over what they describe as a malicious and false campaign aimed at humiliating them. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court, accuses Owens of spreading lies, including a claim that France’s first lady is male.
The Macrons allege that Owens has been running a “campaign of global humiliation” to boost her podcast and increase her following, using Brigitte Macron as a target for what they call “relentless bullying.” According to the lawsuit, Owens repeatedly claimed that Brigitte Macron, 72, was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux, the name of her older brother, a statement the Macrons say is false and damaging.
“Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications,” the complaint reads. “It is invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust.”
The lawsuit, which includes 22 counts, seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Owens has not responded to requests for comment, while the French president’s office has declined to speak on the matter.
A Rare Legal Battle by a World Leader
It is unusual for world leaders to pursue defamation lawsuits, especially in the United States. However, this legal step signals how seriously the Macrons view the allegations. The U.S. legal system requires public figures like Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron to prove “actual malice,” meaning that Owens must have knowingly spread false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
This lawsuit comes amid a global debate on online misinformation and the boundaries of free speech. For the Macrons, it is not just about clearing their names but also about drawing a line against what they consider online harassment disguised as commentary.
Macrons Sue Candace Owens Over Defamation Claim
The case will likely set a precedent for how public figures, especially global leaders, respond to damaging personal attacks online. Whether the Macrons win or not, this case shows that even powerful political figures are not immune to the impact of false claims on social media. The lawsuit may also bring about new questions about the responsibility of influencers who use their platforms to push unverified narratives for clicks and popularity.
