Emmanuel Macron Sues US Podcaster Over Defamatory Claims

BREAKING: French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have just filed a defamation lawsuit against US right-wing podcaster Candace Owens. The lawsuit was lodged on Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court after Owens made outrageous claims that Brigitte was born male, among other accusations.

The 218-page complaint seeks a jury trial and unspecified punitive damages. The Macrons assert that Owens has persistently refused to retract her “false and defamatory statements,” which were made during an eight-part YouTube and podcast series titled “Becoming Brigitte.”

In a statement released by their lawyer, the Macrons expressed their deep concern: “Owens’ campaign of defamation was plainly designed to harass and cause pain to us and our families and to garner attention and notoriety.” They emphasized the impact of these claims on their lives, stating, “We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused.”

The lawsuit argues that Owens leveraged her vast platform—boasting millions of followers on social media—to spread “verifiably false and devastating lies” about the couple. These include bizarre allegations that Brigitte Macron was born a man, that the couple are blood relatives, and that Emmanuel Macron was selected as president through a CIA-operated mind control program.

“If ever there was a clear-cut case of defamation, this is it,” said Tom Clare, the Macrons’ attorney. He highlighted that Owens not only promoted existing falsehoods but also created new damaging narratives, aiming to inflict maximum harm on the Macrons for personal gain.

This legal battle is not new for Brigitte Macron. In September 2022, she took legal action in France against similar claims. Two women were convicted for disseminating false information after they posted a YouTube video alleging Brigitte was formerly known as Jean-Michel Trogneux—a claim linked to her actual brother. Although the initial ruling was overturned by a Paris appeals court, Brigitte Macron is currently appealing to the Court de Cassation for further justice.

The implications of this lawsuit resonate beyond the Macrons, touching on issues of misinformation and media responsibility. As this lawsuit unfolds, it raises critical questions about the boundaries of free speech and the impact of false claims in the digital age.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Macrons are seeking to set a legal precedent that could deter similar defamatory actions in the future. As the case progresses, all eyes will be on Delaware Superior Court, where the Macrons aim to clear their names and protect their dignity amid this ongoing battle.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.