Macron Couple to Present Evidence in US Defamation Case

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are preparing to submit scientific evidence in a defamation lawsuit filed in the United States. The couple aims to counter unfounded claims made by rightwing influencer Candace Owens, who has suggested that Brigitte was born a man.

The Macrons initiated the lawsuit in July 2023, alleging that Owens’s statements serve to enhance her media platform’s profile and attract more followers. Owens has publicly asserted that Brigitte was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux and has reiterated this claim in various forums, including an eight-part podcast series.

Legal Strategy and Evidence

The couple’s lawyer, Tom Clare, from the law firm Clare Locke, stated in a recent interview that expert testimony will substantiate their position. He described the forthcoming evidence as “scientific in nature” but did not disclose specific details regarding its content. Clare emphasized Brigitte’s determination to publicly address the allegations, noting that they have been “incredibly upsetting” for her and a “distraction” for the president.

“It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way,” Clare remarked. “But she is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.” To bolster their case, the couple plans to present personal photographs, including images of Brigitte during her pregnancies and while raising her children.

Background of the Claims

Brigitte Macron, aged 72, is 24 years older than her husband and has three children from a previous marriage. Their relationship began when they met at a theatre workshop that she was running at his high school. The couple has faced similar allegations in the past; claims that Brigitte was born male gained traction in France in 2021. They previously won a defamation case against two bloggers, Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, but a French appeals court later ruled that the case did not meet the legal definition of defamation. The Macrons have since escalated the matter to France’s highest court.

The current case against Owens asserts that she “disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favour of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers.” In response, Owens’s legal representatives have filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that it should not have been initiated in Delaware, where her businesses are registered, since the allegations do not pertain to them. Despite the legal challenges, Owens has maintained her stance, insisting she stands by her allegations.

This case highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding public figures and the spread of misinformation, particularly in the digital age, where social media platforms can amplify unverified claims. The outcome of the lawsuit may have implications not only for the Macrons but also for discussions around defamation and the responsibilities of influencers in the media landscape.