In a significant legal development, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are preparing to present scientific and photographic evidence in a U.S. court to definitively refute persistent conspiracy theories regarding the First Lady’s gender. The couple filed a defamation lawsuit in July 2025 against American right-wing commentator and influencer Candace Owens, who has repeatedly propagated the baseless claim that Brigitte Macron was born male. This legal action marks a new phase in the fight against widespread misinformation targeting public figures.
The Defamation Case and Candace Owens’ Claims
The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, centers on claims made by Candace Owens across her media platforms, including an eight-part podcast series titled “Becoming Brigitte.” Owens has alleged that Brigitte Macron was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux – a name that actually belongs to Brigitte’s older brother. The Macrons’ legal team asserts that Owens has disregarded credible evidence to the contrary, instead choosing to promote conspiracy theories for personal gain, including boosting her media profile and financial profit. President Macron himself stated in an interview with Paris Match that the lawsuit is “about defending my honour! Because this is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders.”
Presenting ‘Scientific Evidence’ to Combat Falsehoods
Brigitte Macron’s legal team, led by lawyer Tom Clare, has confirmed their intention to submit substantial evidence to the U.S. court. This will include “expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature,” alongside photographic evidence. Sources indicate these photographs will include images of Brigitte Macron during her pregnancies and while raising her children. The aim is to provide irrefutable proof that the allegations are false, both “generically and specifically,” as stated by Clare. The First Lady has reportedly found the claims “incredibly upsetting” and acknowledged that they serve as a “distraction” for the French president, though she is “firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.” The process is described as potentially “incredibly intrusive” but necessary to demonstrate the truth in an open forum.
Origins of the Conspiracy and Previous Legal Battles
These conspiracy theories, which falsely suggest Brigitte Macron transitioned from male to female, first gained traction in fringe online spaces in France in 2021. The narrative was largely amplified by a YouTube video published by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey. While Brigitte Macron and her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, initially won a defamation case against these bloggers in France in 2024, the ruling was controversially overturned on appeal in 2025 on freedom-of-expression grounds. The Macrons are currently appealing this decision to France’s highest court. This history highlights the persistent nature of such claims and the complexities of legal recourse against online falsehoods.
A Wider Trend of Misinformation and Online Attacks
The case involving Brigitte Macron is emblematic of a concerning trend where public figures, particularly women, are targeted with disinformation and deeply personal attacks, often related to their gender or sexuality. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the rapid spread of information, and sometimes disinformation, across social media platforms. Experts have noted that such campaigns can sometimes be amplified by foreign influence operations seeking to destabilize democratic processes. French officials have previously expressed concerns about coordinated Russian disinformation campaigns targeting France, especially around elections and major national events. The legal challenge brought by the Macrons against Candace Owens represents a high-profile effort to combat these harmful narratives and hold accountable those who profit from spreading them.
Legal Hurdles and Future Proceedings
Candace Owens’ legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the case should not be heard in Delaware due to a lack of connection to her business interests and the potential for substantial financial hardship. The Macrons’ lawsuit, however, presses forward, aiming to prove “actual malice” under U.S. defamation law – meaning Owens either knew her statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how public figures pursue legal remedies against online defamation and the spread of malicious conspiracy theories in the current media landscape. The couple’s determination to present scientific and personal evidence underscores the seriousness with which they view these baseless allegations and their commitment to defending their honor and truth. This current news has quickly become a trending topic, reflecting the public’s engagement with the ongoing battle against online deception.
