Macrons to Present Scientific Evidence in Defamation Case Against Candace Owens

In a notable legal battle unfolding in the United States, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are preparing to submit photographic and scientific evidence to a court to affirm Brigitte’s gender. This action is part of a defamation lawsuit against conservative influencer Candace Owens, who has made claims suggesting that Brigitte Macron was born male. The couple’s legal representative, Tom Clare, has shared insights into their motivations and the nature of the evidence they plan to present.

Background of the Defamation Claim

The controversy began when Candace Owens, a prominent figure with a substantial social media following and a former commentator for the conservative outlet Daily Wire, publicly asserted that Brigitte Macron is not a woman. In March 2024, Owens declared that she would stake her “entire professional reputation” on this assertion. The roots of the claim can be traced back to fringe online discussions, notably a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey.

Previously, the Macrons pursued legal action in France against Roy and Rey, winning a defamation case in 2024. However, this ruling was overturned on appeal in 2025, citing freedom of expression rather than addressing the truth of the allegations. The Macrons are currently appealing this decision.

Legal Proceedings in the United States

In July, the Macrons escalated their fight against Owens by filing a lawsuit in the United States. The suit alleges that Owens “disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favour of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers.” Under U.S. defamation law, particularly when dealing with public figures, plaintiffs must demonstrate “actual malice”—that the defendant knowingly spread false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

Owens’ legal team has responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the case should not have been initiated in Delaware, as it does not pertain to her businesses incorporated in the state. They contend that requiring her to defend the case in Delaware would impose “substantial financial and operational hardship.”

Emotional Toll on the Macron Family

Tom Clare, the Macrons’ lawyer, discussed the emotional impact of the allegations on Brigitte Macron, emphasizing that she found the claims “incredibly upsetting.” He noted that such public attacks can be a distraction for President Macron, stating, “When your family is under attack, it wears on you. And he’s not immune from that because he’s the president of a country.”

Clare expressed the couple’s determination to counter the allegations head-on, revealing that they are prepared to provide “expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature.” While he refrained from disclosing the specifics of the evidence at this stage, he assured that they would demonstrate both generically and specifically that the allegations against Brigitte are unfounded.

Evidence to be Presented

When questioned about the nature of the evidence, Clare confirmed that there are photographs of Brigitte during her pregnancies and while raising her children, which would be included in the court proceedings. He acknowledged the discomfort associated with presenting such personal evidence but emphasized Brigitte’s commitment to setting the record straight. “If that unpleasantness and that discomfort that she has of opening herself up in that way is what it takes to set a record straight and stop this, she’s 100% ready to meet that burden,” Clare stated.

Owens’ Response and Legal Position

Candace Owens has consistently maintained her stance on the matter, asserting that she believes her claims to be true. She has expressed her views on various platforms, including YouTube and social media. In a previous interview with French magazine Paris Match, President Macron articulated the rationale behind pursuing legal action, stating, “This is about defending my honour! Because this is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders.”

The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome remains to be seen as both parties prepare to present their cases in court.

Conclusion

The Macrons’ decision to pursue legal action against Candace Owens highlights the complexities of public discourse in the age of social media, where allegations can spread rapidly and have significant personal repercussions. As the case unfolds, it raises important questions about the intersection of free speech, defamation, and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing false claims.

Key Facts

– Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron are suing Candace Owens for defamation.
– Owens has claimed that Brigitte Macron was born male, a statement she has publicly reiterated.
– The Macrons plan to present photographic and scientific evidence to refute these claims.
– They previously won a defamation case in France against bloggers but had that ruling overturned on appeal.
– The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. in July, with Owens’ legal team seeking to dismiss the case.
– The case emphasizes the need to prove “actual malice” in U.S. defamation law for public figures.

Source: www.bbc.com