French President Macron Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Candace Owens

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit against American conservative influencer Candace Owens for promoting a conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man, accusing Owens of spreading demonstrably false and defamatory claims. Owens has produced a series of videos titled "Becoming Brigitte" and merchandise to promote this baseless theory, which the Macrons say has caused them significant economic and personal harm. The lawsuit alleges Owens propagated multiple outrageous fabrications including claims of transgender identity, incest, and CIA mind-control involvement in Macron's presidency, and accuses her of a sustained smear campaign. Owens, who brands herself as an investigative journalist, has suggested on her podcast that the Macrons might fake Brigitte's death to avoid the legal discovery process, a claim that has drawn further controversy. Macron's attorney emphasized that the lawsuit was a last resort after repeated requests for Owens to cease her defamatory statements were ignored, highlighting the human impact of such misinformation on the presidential couple. Owens appears to be using the lawsuit to increase her notoriety and fundraising, though the legal action underscores the serious consequences of disinformation targeting public figures.