Defamation Lawsuit Filed in US Court
France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, along with her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, is preparing to present scientific and photographic evidence in a US court to counter persistent gender-related rumors. The legal action targets right-wing American influencer and podcaster Candace Owens, who has repeatedly disseminated claims that Brigitte Macron was born male. The lawsuit was filed in Delaware Superior Court in July, seeking a jury trial and unspecified punitive damages .
According to Tom Clare, the Macrons' lawyer, the couple intends to provide 'photographic and scientific evidence' as well as 'expert testimony of a scientific nature' to unequivocally prove that Brigitte Macron is a woman . This evidence is expected to include photographs from her pregnancies and details of her family life . Clare stated that the claims have been 'incredibly upsetting' for Brigitte Macron and serve as a 'distraction' for the French President . President Macron himself emphasized the personal impact, stating, 'This is about defending my honour because this is nonsense' .
The Origin and Amplification of Baseless Claims
The rumors surrounding Brigitte Macron's gender, specifically the false assertion that she was born as a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux (who is, in reality, her brother), first gained traction in France in 2021 through a YouTube video posted by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey . These claims were subsequently amplified by Candace Owens, notably in an eight-part podcast series titled 'Becoming Brigitte' in January . Owens has publicly maintained her belief in the allegations, stating she would 'stake her entire professional reputation' on their veracity .
The lawsuit against Owens alleges that she 'disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favour of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers' . Owens' lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the case .
Previous Legal Battles in France
This US lawsuit is not the first legal recourse taken by the Macrons against these gender rumors. Brigitte Macron and her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, previously filed a defamation case in France against the two bloggers, Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey .
- In September 2024, a Paris court initially found the two women guilty, ordering them to pay damages .
- However, in July 2025, a Paris appeals court overturned this verdict, ruling that the case did not meet the legal definition of defamation on freedom of expression grounds .
- The Macrons are currently appealing this decision to France's highest appeals court, the Court de Cassation .
The ongoing legal actions underscore the Macrons' determination to combat what they describe as 'outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions' .
8 Comments
Comandante
The desire to protect one's reputation from baseless gender-related claims is understandable, yet the legal battle itself risks setting precedents for how public figures handle internet gossip.
Bella Ciao
On one hand, nobody should be subjected to such vile personal attacks. On the other, a high-profile lawsuit often becomes a spectacle that can't fully undo the damage of online rumors.
Muchacha
While the scientific evidence should settle the matter, the underlying issue of widespread online disinformation remains. This lawsuit addresses a symptom, not the root cause of such rumors.
Mariposa
Excellent move. No one should have to endure such personal attacks unchallenged.
Coccinella
While the rumors are undoubtedly hurtful and false, bringing such a personal matter to a US court might inadvertently amplify the very claims they're trying to suppress.
dedus mopedus
This 'scientific evidence' claim is ridiculous. Just ignore the trolls.
BuggaBoom
Candace Owens has a right to question things, even if it's provocative. Don't censor her.
Loubianka
This lawsuit is a vital stand against online harassment and the spread of outright lies. Support!