A defamation lawsuit involving Brigitte Macron and US commentator Candace Owens highlights the perils of modern misinformation.
Story Highlights
- Brigitte Macron and Emmanuel Macron filed a lawsuit against Candace Owens in July 2025.
- Owens promoted a conspiracy theory alleging Brigitte Macron was born male.
- The Macrons are set to present scientific evidence in court by September 2025.
- The case underscores the dangers of online misinformation and conspiracy theories.
Brigitte Macron’s Legal Battle Against Misinformation
In a significant legal development, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit against US commentator Candace Owens. The lawsuit, initiated in July 2025, comes after Owens promoted a conspiracy theory alleging that Brigitte Macron was born male. The claim, which originated in French far-right circles, has gained international attention and led to widespread media coverage.
The Macrons seek to protect their reputation and combat the spread of misinformation. They plan to present photographic and scientific evidence in a Delaware court to refute Owens’ claims. The lawsuit highlights the intersection of misogyny, transphobia, and far-right conspiracy culture, targeting high-profile women through digital media.
Watch: Brigitte Macron to show court ‘scientific proof’ she is a woman in lawsuit against Candace Owens
The Origins and Spread of the Conspiracy Theory
The conspiracy theory originated in 2021, when French conspiracy theorists alleged that Brigitte Macron was assigned male at birth. It gained traction in 2022 during French presidential elections and was later picked up by Owens, who launched an eight-part podcast series titled “Becoming Brigitte” in 2024. The theory is part of a broader pattern of “transvestigations” targeting female public figures for engagement and notoriety.
Despite repeated requests for retraction, Owens continued to promote the theory, doubling down on her claims and dismissing the lawsuit as a PR stunt. Social media platforms have played a significant role in amplifying the conspiracy, with bots and engagement algorithms spreading the misinformation rapidly.
Implications and Broader Impact
The lawsuit has several implications, both in the short and long term. It has increased media scrutiny of online conspiracy theories and heightened tensions between French and US political spheres. The case could set legal precedents for cross-border defamation and online misinformation, highlighting the need for greater regulation of social media platforms.
In the long run, the ongoing reputational damage for targeted individuals like the Macrons underscores the challenges of combating viral falsehoods. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of modern misinformation, the weaponization of misogyny and transphobia, and the complexities of legal recourse in the digital age.
Sources:
Transvestigations: The Fake Investigations Claiming Famous People Like Brigitte Macron Are…
Candace Owens Brigitte Macron Lawsuit Conspiracy
Why the Conspiracy Theory Brigitte Macron Is Insane
