In a rare and highly public move, French President Emmanuel Macron has now reportedly filed a defamation lawsuit against conservative American commentator Candace Owens, alleging that her statements about his wife, Brigitte Macron, amount to “devastating lies” and conspiracy-driven slander.
The suit, filed Wednesday in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, reflects growing international tensions over free speech, satire, and the limits of political criticism.
Owens, known for her unapologetic, combative style, is being targeted for repeatedly stating that Brigitte Macron is biologically male—a claim she has stood by for over a year.
In 2024, during her tenure at The Daily Wire, Owens declared she would stake her “entire professional reputation” on the claim that France’s first lady was born a man. She later expanded on the allegation with an eight-part investigative podcast series titled Becoming Brigitte.
According to the complaint, Owens’ series included wide-ranging assertions that Macron and his wife are blood relatives engaged in incest, that President Macron is the product of CIA mind-control programs such as MKUltra, and that both Macrons are guilty of fraud and forgery to hide their “secrets.” The lawsuit calls these statements “outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions.”
But Owens’ defenders argue that the lawsuit is less about libel and more about Macron attempting to silence dissent—especially from a vocal conservative voice unafraid to challenge elite institutions and figures.
Owens has made a name for herself precisely by asking uncomfortable questions and challenging official narratives, whether related to COVID-19, government surveillance, or political corruption.
The complaint, filed by elite law firm Clare Locke on behalf of the Macrons, suggests that Owens’ commentary crosses a line between political discourse and intentional misinformation.
It criticizes Owens for “platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers,” and accuses her of using “sensationalism” to boost her profile rather than pursue any legitimate journalistic aim.
“This is nothing new for Owens,” the lawsuit claims, accusing her of building a brand on “provocation, not truth,” and highlighting past criticisms of her statements regarding vaccines and the Holocaust. It further asserts that Owens “knew” her claims about Mrs. Macron were false.
Owens has not yet formally responded in court, but a spokesman for the commentator said she would address the lawsuit during Wednesday’s episode of her podcast. “Candace will be officially responding to this on her podcast today,” the spokesman told Mediaite, adding that her team had only just learned about the lawsuit through the press.
The Macrons are seeking unspecified damages and have requested a jury trial.
While Macron’s legal team hopes to portray Owens’ remarks as calculated defamation, the suit also raises broader questions: Should public figures, especially world leaders, be shielded from provocative—even outrageous—claims in the digital age?
Or is this lawsuit yet another attempt by powerful elites to clamp down on dissenting conservative voices under the banner of “misinformation”?
The jury may ultimately decide, but the political optics are already clear—Macron wants to hit back. Owens isn’t backing down.
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