Macron Couple Sues Candace Owens for Defamation Over Gender Conspiracy Claims

In an unusual move for a political leader, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have initiated a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. against conservative podcaster Candace Owens. This legal action, which comprises 22 counts, was filed in Delaware Superior Court and is centered on allegations that Owens has conducted an extensive campaign of falsehoods regarding Brigitte, suggesting in a recent YouTube video that she might be a man.

According to the Macrons' attorney, Tom Clare, the couple has made numerous requests for Owens to cease her defamatory claims over the past year. However, after receiving no cooperation, they resorted to legal action. The court document states that the couple is pursuing punitive damages, citing significant economic losses tied to the defamation, including the loss of potential business opportunities. The Macrons have expressed that Owens' actions appear to be a deliberate attempt to inflict distress and pursue notoriety at their expense.

Owens has previously promoted these claims on her social media platforms, garnering substantial attention from her audience. In response to the lawsuit, she posted belittling statements on her Instagram, labeling the legal action as part of an obvious public relations strategy. The lawsuit is significant as it highlights the complexities of defamation law in the United States, particularly for public figures, who must demonstrate that the accused acted with "actual malice" in spreading the defamatory claims. This case adds to the couple's ongoing battle against similar allegations made in France, reflecting the persistent nature of public scrutiny and defamatory discourse faced by high-profile individuals.