French President Emmanuel Macron Launches Major Defamation Lawsuit Against Candace Owens Over Explosive Claims Suggesting First Lady Brigitte Could Be a Man

French President Emmanuel Macron Sues Candace Owens Over Defamatory Claims Suggesting First Lady Brigitte Could Be a Man

A diplomatic and media firestorm erupted this week after French President Emmanuel Macron filed a high-profile defamation lawsuit against American conservative commentator Candace Owens. The French leader is accusing Owens of launching what he calls a “malicious and baseless smear campaign” against his wife, First Lady Brigitte Macron, over repeated claims questioning her gender identity.

The lawsuit, filed in a Paris court on Monday, alleges that Owens made “deliberately false and defamatory statements” during multiple online broadcasts and social media posts, in which she suggested that Brigitte Macron might secretly be a man. According to Macron’s legal team, the accusations not only constitute defamation under French law but also represent “a deliberate attempt to inflict personal and reputational harm on the President and the First Lady.”

Macron Pushes Back: “Enough Is Enough”

In a brief statement released by the Élysée Palace, President Macron said:

“These repeated lies are not harmless. They attack my wife, my family, and by extension, the dignity of our country. Enough is enough.”

The First Lady herself, who has endured persistent rumors online about her appearance for years, has largely avoided addressing the controversy publicly. Insiders close to the presidential couple say this latest legal action was prompted by the escalating nature of Owens’ claims and their widespread dissemination on social media.

Candace Owens Unapologetic

Candace Owens, known for her outspoken and often provocative commentary, has so far remained defiant. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she dismissed Macron’s legal threat as “an attack on free speech,” stating, “I will not be silenced by global elites. Questions were raised, and I voiced them. That’s not defamation — that’s free discussion.”

Owens’ supporters argue that the lawsuit represents government overreach and an attempt to silence political critics, while detractors accuse her of spreading baseless conspiracies for attention and engagement.

International Repercussions

Legal experts say the lawsuit could set a significant precedent. Defamation laws are stricter in France than in the United States, where Owens resides, and enforcing a French court’s ruling internationally could pose challenges. However, Macron’s legal team has indicated it is prepared to pursue every available avenue to hold Owens accountable.

The lawsuit has already sparked widespread debate on both sides of the Atlantic, with some framing it as a battle between free speech and the right to protect one’s reputation. Meanwhile, Brigitte Macron, a prominent public figure in France, remains at the center of a controversy she has repeatedly described as “cruel and deeply hurtful.”

What Comes Next?

A preliminary hearing is expected in the coming weeks. Legal analysts say the case could take months, if not years, to resolve, especially if Owens chooses not to appear in French court. In the meantime, Macron’s lawsuit has thrust the issue of online harassment, misinformation, and the protection of public figures back into the global spotlight.