French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit in the Delaware Superior Court against American right-wing commentator and podcaster Candace Owens, accusing her of spreading false, harmful, and deeply personal allegations about the First Lady’s gender identity.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States, specifically targets Owens’ claim that Brigitte Macron was born male, an allegation that the French presidential couple describe as part of a deliberate and malicious smear campaign.

The Allegations and Legal Action

In their legal complaint, the Macrons argue that Candace Owens has been conducting a lie-filled campaign of global humiliation aimed at increasing listenership to her podcast and catering to her frenzied online fan base. The filing labels the claim about France’s First Lady as “entirely false and defamatory”, and accuses Owens of willfully disseminating this misinformation across multiple platforms, despite clear public records that contradict her assertions.

The lawsuit states that Brigitte Macron was assigned female at birth, and any suggestion otherwise is factually incorrect, deeply invasive, and motivated by political sensationalism.

Owens, a prominent conservative commentator in the United States, is known for her controversial takes on a range of cultural and political issues, often attracting criticism for what many describe as incendiary rhetoric. In this case, the Macrons assert that her statements have crossed the line into libel and personal vilification, leading to real-world emotional and reputational damage.

Why the Lawsuit Was Filed in the US

Though the Macrons are French citizens and the alleged defamation concerns the French First Lady, the lawsuit was strategically filed in Delaware, a US state known for its broad jurisdiction over corporations and digital entities. Owens’ podcast is hosted on platforms and networks that are legally anchored in the US, giving American courts the legal standing to address the case.

Legal experts note that this also allows the Macrons to challenge the dissemination of misinformation at its source, especially considering Owens’ global audience and the virality of podcast content.

The legal complaint seeks unspecified damages, including compensatory and punitive relief, and requests a formal retraction and apology from Owens.

Macron’s Broader Concerns Over Disinformation

This legal move is not just a personal reaction but also reflects broader concerns in France and across Europe about the spread of misinformation and online abuse, particularly targeting public figures. President Macron, in several international forums, has spoken out against digital platforms becoming breeding grounds for fake news, conspiracy theories, and character assassinations.

In the past, Macron’s government has cracked down on disinformation networks, especially those suspected of being coordinated by foreign actors or extremist ideologies. His administration has also proposed stricter regulations on content moderation, platform responsibility, and digital accountability.

This latest legal action reinforces the president’s position that online freedom of expression should not become a cover for hate or harassment.

Brigitte Macron's Public Role and Background

Brigitte Macron, formerly a high school literature teacher, has played an active and visible role in French public life since Emmanuel Macron took office in 2017. She is known for her involvement in education, disability rights, anti-bullying campaigns, and her high-profile representation of France on diplomatic visits.

Rumours regarding her gender identity have occasionally surfaced online, particularly within fringe conspiracy circles, but had largely remained on the periphery until Owens allegedly brought them into mainstream conversation via her podcast.

The lawsuit argues that these false claims, when repeated by high-profile voices like Owens, normalize and amplify bigoted narratives, violating basic standards of journalistic integrity and decency.

Political and Social Reaction

The lawsuit has sparked strong reactions across political and media circles in both France and the United States. In France, several lawmakers have expressed support for the First Lady, condemning gender-based misinformation and online harassment. French media outlets have criticized Owens' remarks as misogynistic and transphobic.

In the US, reactions have been divided. Progressive circles and advocacy groups for women's rights and LGBTQ+ protections have stood by the Macrons, while some right-wing commentators have defended Owens on free speech grounds, arguing that public figures must tolerate a higher threshold of criticism.

However, legal scholars point out that freedom of speech does not protect knowingly false and damaging statements, especially when made with reckless disregard for the truth.

A Test Case for Global Defamation Standards?

With the digital space blurring national boundaries, this case could become a test of how defamation law operates in the international context, especially when global figures are targeted by local content creators.

It could also have broader implications for how platforms moderate harmful content, and whether online creators can be held legally accountable for spreading false personal information under foreign defamation laws.

Should the court side with the Macrons, the ruling may set a legal precedent for transnational lawsuits in the age of global digital media.

Final Thoughts

The Macron-Owens lawsuit goes far beyond a personal dispute—it brings to the forefront urgent questions around truth, privacy, and accountability in the digital era. As the case proceeds through the US court system, it will be closely watched not only by legal experts but also by global political leaders, activists, and tech platforms.

This case could become a landmark moment in establishing legal boundaries for online commentary, especially when it comes at the cost of dignity and truth.

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