French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative media personality Candace Owens, accusing her of orchestrating a damaging campaign of misinformation for personal gain.
The 22-count complaint, filed on Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court, centres on Owens’ repeated and widely circulated claims that Brigitte Macron is biologically male and was born as “Jean-Michel Trogneux” — the name of her older brother. The lawsuit describes these allegations as “vile fabrications” that have caused “deep personal and reputational harm” to the French first couple.
“This campaign of global humiliation and relentless bullying has been carried out to serve Ms. Owens’ financial and political interests, to grow her podcast, and expand her frenzied fan base,” the suit alleges, calling Owens’ conduct “invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust.”
While the French presidential office has declined to comment, Owens has not responded to requests for a reaction.
The case is notable as a rare example of a sitting world leader filing a defamation suit in a foreign jurisdiction. Under U.S. law, public figures such as President Macron must meet a high bar to win defamation cases, proving that the defendant acted with “actual malice” — knowingly spreading falsehoods or acting with reckless disregard for the truth.
According to the filing, Owens’ statements have gained global traction, creating a “pervasive and damaging narrative” that the Macrons say now follows them in public life. “Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications,” the complaint states.
The couple is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
The lawsuit comes amid broader global concerns about the impact of digital misinformation on public figures — particularly women in politics. Though French defamation laws typically offer stronger protections for personal dignity, the Macrons chose to file in the U.S., where Owens’ content originated and rapidly spread.
The case also underscores growing tensions between international political figures and online influencers, who increasingly shape public discourse through social media and digital platforms.
Whether the Macrons can overcome the legal challenges under U.S. defamation standards remains uncertain, but the lawsuit is already drawing international attention.
