French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have filed a sweeping defamation lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court against American conservative commentator Candace Owens, accusing her of leading a “relentless year-long campaign” spreading false claims that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman and was born male.
The 22-count, 219-page complaint asserts that Owens used her podcast and YouTube series, Becoming Brigitte, to promote these “outlandish” and factually baseless allegations for personal gain — growing her audience and boosting profits while damaging the reputation of the French First Couple.
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According to the lawsuit, Owens falsely stated and repeatedly implied that Brigitte Macron “is a man” and described her transition as a “state cover-up.” The Macrons claim the public campaign caused them “global humiliation,” emotional distress, and serious reputational harm on the international stage.
The lawsuit also alleges that Owens’ conduct constituted intentional defamation and harassment, moving beyond political commentary into a deliberate effort to harm the couple’s public image and provoke ridicule and harassment.
The Macrons are requesting a permanent injunction, a public retraction, and unspecified financial damages.
The suit was filed in Delaware due to the registration of Owens’ business entities in the state — a common legal strategy in high-profile cases involving digital media companies.
Owens has not publicly responded to the lawsuit as of this publication.
If the case proceeds, it may become a landmark in international defamation law and the regulation of online commentary across borders.
