French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, filed a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. on Wednesday against right-wing commentator Candace Owens, accusing her of spreading false and degrading claims—most notably, that Brigitte Macron is biologically male.
The suit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, alleges that Owens launched a smear campaign filled with lies to boost her podcast and grow her following. Among the most prominent accusations is that Brigitte, 72, was born “Jean-Michel Trogneux,” the name of her older brother.
According to the complaint, the couple face constant public scrutiny and distress as a result: “Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications. It is invasive, dehumanising, and deeply unjust.”
The 22-count lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Owens has not responded publicly to the claims, and the lyse Palace declined to comment.
Defamation lawsuits from heads of state are uncommon, particularly in the U.S., where public figures must meet a high legal standard known as “actual malice.” This means the plaintiffs must prove the defendant knowingly spread false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump has also filed several defamation suits, including one recently against The Wall Street Journal’s publisher.
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