French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit in Delaware, USA, against influencer Candace Owens following repeated claims that Brigitte was born male, and that her real identity is “Jean-Michel Trogneux,” the name of her brother. www.ndtv.com+3Reuters+3www.ndtv.com+3
In this case, the Macrons’ legal team, led by attorney Tom Clare, announced that they will present scientific and photographic evidence to prove that Owens’ allegations are false. Photographs that show Brigitte pregnant and raising her children are among the evidence to be used. The Star+3www.ndtv.com+3People.com+3
Owens’ claims have been widely spread via podcasts and social media. The lawsuit alleges these claims are part of a “campaign of global humiliation” meant to fortify Owens’ media profile. Al Jazeera+1 The Macrons had earlier won a French defamation case against two bloggers who propagated similar rumours, but that verdict was overturned on appeal in 2025 on grounds including freedom of expression. The Star+3EL PAÍS English+3euronews+3
The Macrons say the allegations are “vile fabrications” and that Owens had ignored credible evidence disproving them. Owens has responded by seeking dismissal of the suit, citing jurisdictional issues. euronews+1
