In a dramatic and unexpected legal turn, French President Emmanuel Macron sues Candace Owens, a prominent American conservative commentator, over remarks she made about First Lady Brigitte Macron. The controversy erupted when Owens publicly amplified claims about Brigitte Macron’s gender, a topic that has stirred debate in France for several years.
Now, the French President has reportedly had enough. The presidential palace, Élysée, confirmed that legal action has been initiated on behalf of the First Lady, setting the stage for a high-profile international defamation case.
Candace Owens, known for her sharp political commentary and controversial views, made headlines when she repeated long-standing conspiracy theories claiming that Brigitte Macron was born a man and had transitioned to female identity later in life. These unfounded claims have circulated in fringe corners of the internet for years but were widely dismissed by mainstream media and officials in France.
Owens, however, chose to speak publicly about the rumor on her social media platforms and during her podcast episodes. She framed her remarks under the banner of “free speech” and “biological truth,” but critics say her statements were designed to provoke and defame.
In a now-viral clip, Owens said:
“Why is no one in France talking about the fact that Brigitte Macron is allegedly transgender? We should be allowed to ask questions. Truth is not hate speech.”
These remarks were met with swift condemnation from French political leaders and sparked outrage among many who saw the statements as not only invasive but also deeply disrespectful to the First Lady.
According to French news sources, President Emmanuel Macron’s legal team is pursuing Owens for defamation and invasion of privacy, citing France’s strict personal rights laws. The lawsuit is based on the idea that Owens’s statements were not only false but also deeply damaging to Brigitte Macron’s dignity, character, and privacy.
A spokesperson for the Élysée Palace said:
“These statements are baseless, harmful, and violate the basic respect owed to public and private figures alike. This type of public harassment will not be tolerated.”
Unlike the United States, France has more rigid defamation laws, especially concerning the private lives of public figures. In France, even truthful statements can be punishable under the law if they are deemed an invasion of privacy.
The rumor that Brigitte Macron is transgender first gained traction in 2021, when a French publication published an article from a conspiracy theorist claiming that she was born “Jean-Michel Trogneux”—a name derived from her maiden surname.
French fact-checkers and independent journalists quickly debunked the story, confirming that Brigitte Macron was born a female and dismissing the claims as conspiracy-driven misinformation. Yet the story continued to circulate in niche communities online, fueled by anti-government activists and far-right commentators.
By bringing it to a mainstream audience, Owens amplified a fringe narrative, giving it renewed life and triggering a legal response from France’s highest office.
Candace Owens is no stranger to controversy. A well-known American political commentator, author, and former communications director for Turning Point USA, Owens has built a career on her provocative views and viral statements. She’s been a vocal critic of feminism, Black Lives Matter, and COVID-19 policies, and she has repeatedly found herself at the center of cultural and political firestorms.
Her followers praise her for speaking uncomfortable “truths,” while critics accuse her of spreading misinformation and using shock tactics to stay relevant.
This time, her target is not just an American celebrity or politician—but France’s First Lady, making this one of the most significant international blowbacks Owens has faced to date.
At the heart of this legal showdown lies the timeless tension between freedom of speech and protection from defamation. Owens has already responded to news of the lawsuit, framing it as an attack on free speech and an attempt by a foreign leader to silence an American voice.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Owens wrote:
“So now I’m being sued by the French President for asking a question? Guess freedom of speech doesn’t exist in France. They want to silence anyone who dares to speak the truth.”
But legal experts argue that the United States and France handle speech laws very differently. While the U.S. has strong First Amendment protections, France’s legal system allows individuals, including public figures, to pursue civil and even criminal charges against defamation or personal attacks.
In France, a statement doesn’t have to be proven false to be deemed illegal—it merely has to be considered an unjustified public attack on someone’s private life.
Reactions to the lawsuit have been split down ideological and national lines.
Brigitte Macron herself has stayed mostly silent, as she has during past waves of gossip. However, sources close to the First Lady say the stress and hurt caused by these claims have been “immense,” especially as they resurface years after initially being debunked.
The lawsuit has been filed in a French court, but Owens resides in the United States, raising questions about jurisdiction and enforcement. Here’s how legal experts say the case might unfold:
Legal analysts suggest that while Owens may not face direct financial penalties if she refuses to acknowledge the lawsuit, the symbolic weight of the lawsuit—and the global press it’s receiving—makes this more than just a legal skirmish. It’s a cultural and diplomatic statement.
This case may seem like a personal feud on the surface, but it taps into much larger themes—media responsibility, transphobia, online misinformation, and the global limits of free speech.
For the Macron administration, it’s a message to the French public (and the world) that personal dignity and truth still matter, even in the internet age.
For Owens, the lawsuit might enhance her persona as a martyr of free speech in the eyes of her followers. Her podcast has already gained thousands of new subscribers since the news broke.
But for both parties, the legal outcome could have serious implications on future speech regulations, international law, and internet commentary standards.
The news that the French President sues Candace Owens is about much more than gossip or celebrity drama. It’s a sharp reminder of the growing conflict between online speech and legal accountability, and how even the most powerful voices can face consequences when they speak about others in reckless or damaging ways.
As this story unfolds, it will no doubt raise important questions about truth, privacy, respect, and the digital age’s global reach. One thing is certain: this won’t be the last time we see a clash between national laws and international speech.
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