In a rare legal move for a sitting world leader, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have filed a defamation suit in Delaware against right-wing firebrand Candace Owens. The suit, steeped in outrage and seeking justice, slams Owens for orchestrating a “campaign of global humiliation” by falsely claiming that France’s First Lady was born male.
The lawsuit calls out Owens for peddling a conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron, 72, was born “Jean-Michel Trogneux”—the actual name of her brother—in an attempt to bolster her podcast and expand her online following. According to the Macrons, this isn’t just typical internet trolling. It’s deeply personal, invasive, and harmful.
“Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications,” the suit states. “It is invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust.”
Candace’s Claims Land in the Crosshairs
Owens, known for her provocative takes and a loyal right-wing fanbase, did not respond to requests for comment. But her digital trail—littered with podcast episodes and social media posts—could come back to bite. The suit accuses her of weaponizing misinformation, turning Brigitte Macron’s name into clickbait for political gain.
The 22-count complaint doesn’t specify a dollar amount but seeks both compensatory and punitive damages. Macron’s office declined to comment officially, but the tone of the lawsuit says it all: this isn’t just about setting the record straight—it’s about drawing a line.
A Loud, Transphobic Whisper Campaign
At the heart of this suit is more than just celebrity drama. It’s about the real-world consequences of transphobia, misogyny, and baseless attacks masquerading as “truth-seeking.” The implication that Brigitte Macron is secretly a transgender woman—used here as a slur—is part of a long-running tactic used to dehumanize women in power and LGBTQ people alike.
While the Macrons are not LGBTQ themselves, the lawsuit carries implications for the broader LGBTQ community. When being trans—or merely being rumored to be—is used as a public insult, it reinforces dangerous stereotypes. These tactics perpetuate the idea that trans identities are scandalous or shameful. It’s a form of bullying that has real consequences, from schoolyards to statehouses.
Fighting Back, Loud and Legal
For LGBTQ advocates, the Macrons’ decision to take this to court sends a clear message: these kinds of attacks won’t go unanswered. “This lawsuit may be filed by the First Couple of France,” one LGBTQ activist commented, “but it speaks to the thousands who suffer in silence while rumors and lies threaten their dignity and safety.”
If the case progresses, it could shine a light on the consequences of reckless digital defamation—and, more importantly, on how public figures can use the law to push back against transphobic narratives masquerading as political critique.
For now, the message from Paris to Owens is loud and legal: keep Brigitte’s name out your mouth.