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- French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron sue Candace Owens for defamation over false gender claims
- 22-count lawsuit filed in Delaware seeks unspecified damages and retraction of “outlandish” allegations
- Owens refuses to back down, doubling down on claims despite legal demands
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit against conservative commentator Candace Owens after she repeatedly claimed Brigitte Macron was born male and underwent gender transition. The 22-count complaint accuses Owens of spreading “demonstrably false” information through an eight-part podcast series, despite three formal retraction requests.
Core Players
- Emmanuel Macron – President of France
- Brigitte Macron – First Lady of France
- Candace Owens – Conservative commentator/podcaster
- Delaware Superior Court – Venue for the lawsuit
Key Numbers
- 22 – Counts in the defamation lawsuit
- 3 – Formal retraction requests sent to Owens
- 8 – Episodes in Owens’ podcast series
- 2023 – Year Owens began making the claims
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The Catalyst
Owens’ claims originated in a December 2023 podcast series where she falsely asserted Brigitte Macron was born male and stole someone else’s identity. The Macrons sent their first retraction demand that month, followed by two more in 2024 and July 1, 2025.
“These claims are demonstrably false, and Owens knew they were false when she published them,” the lawsuit states. “Yet, she published them anyway.”
Inside Forces
The Macrons’ legal strategy emphasizes Owens’ refusal to retract despite multiple opportunities. Their lawyers argue the claims were “plainly designed to harass and cause pain” while boosting Owens’ public profile.
Owens has maintained her stance, recently declaring, “Brigitte Macron is definitely a man” in response to the lawsuit.
Power Dynamics
The case highlights tensions between public figures and media personalities. While Owens claims free speech protections, the Macrons argue her statements cross into actionable defamation by spreading verifiably false information.
Legal experts note the case could set precedents for handling transphobic conspiracy theories targeting public officials.
Outside Impact
The lawsuit has sparked broader debates about:
- Ethical boundaries in political commentary
- Legal protections for public figures
- Consequences for spreading misinformation
Future Forces
Key developments to watch:
- Court ruling on whether Owens’ statements constitute defamation
- Potential damages awarded if the Macrons prevail
- Impact on similar cases involving public figures
Data Points
- December 2023: Owens begins making false claims
- July 1, 2025: Final retraction demand sent
- July 23, 2025: Lawsuit filed in Delaware
- July 24, 2025: Owens responds defiantly
This case represents a critical intersection of free speech rights and legal accountability for public figures. The outcome could influence how courts handle conspiracy theories targeting political leaders in the digital age.
