French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, initiated legal action against conservative podcaster Candace Owens in Delaware Superior Court. The couple’s 22-count civil lawsuit alleges defamation and false light, stemming from Owens' repeated claims that Brigitte Macron is a man. The lawsuit asserts that these claims have been disseminated since March 2024 to promote Owens' platform and gain notoriety, despite being thoroughly disproven.
The Macrons’ complaint details several allegations made by Owens, including claims of incest and conspiracy theories involving the CIA. The lawsuit cites that Owens has used these falsehoods to engage her audience, while ignoring the couple's attempts to clarify the truth. In their statement, the Macrons described the impact of Owens' statements as significantly damaging to their reputation and personal lives.
Represented by the law firm Clare Locke, the Macrons seek monetary damages, with their attorney describing the case as a clear example of defamation. They expressed hope that the legal proceedings would rectify the misinformation propagated by Owens.
Owens, in response, has maintained that her First Amendment rights are being infringed upon by what she describes as a foreign government’s attempt to silence an independent journalist. A spokesperson for Owens indicated that she would continue to address the matter publicly and emphasized her desire for a direct interview with Brigitte Macron, which had not been facilitated.
This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions surrounding public discourse and the boundaries of free speech, particularly in the age of digital media where misinformation can spread rapidly. The outcome remains to be seen as the case proceeds through the legal system.