Macrons to Support Defamation Suit with Evidence of Brigitte's Identity

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:41:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte will provide scientific documentation in a US court to counter claims by influencer Candace Owens suggesting that Brigitte was born male.

In an unprecedented legal battle, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron are set to present evidence including photographs and expert testimony in a US defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who has claimed that Brigitte is a man. Their lawyer describes the situation as distressing and highlights their determination to combat the allegations.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are planning to present photographic and scientific evidence to a US court to prove Mrs. Macron is a woman.

Their lawyer announced that the couple is pursuing a defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who has claimed that Brigitte Macron was born male. During a recent appearance on the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast, lawyer Tom Clare indicated that the allegations have been deeply distressing for Mrs. Macron and are a significant distraction for the president.

Clare stated, I don't want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life as well, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. He emphasized that the Macrons are prepared to present both photographic evidence and scientific expert testimony to disprove the defamatory claims.

Mrs. Macron has expressed her willingness to undergo scrutiny to protect her identity and set the record straight, despite finding the process incredibly uncomfortable. Clare confirmed that evidence, including pictures of Brigitte pregnant and raising children, will be submitted in court.

Candace Owens, who has millions of followers on social media and previously worked for conservative outlet Daily Wire, has repeatedly promoted her assertion that Brigitte Macron is a man, a claim she has said she would stake her entire professional reputation on.

This controversy originated from fringe internet discussions and was notably fueled by a 2021 YouTube video. The Macrons previously won a defamation case against two French bloggers in 2024, but that ruling was overturned on appeal in 2025 on free speech grounds. They are currently appealing the decision.

In July, the Macrons filed their lawsuit in the US against Owens, alleging that she disregarded credible evidence disproving her claims in favor of promoting conspiracy theories. The case is particularly significant as it will touch on the legal standards for proving defamation against public figures in the US.

Recent comments from Emmanuel Macron highlighted the importance of this legal fight: This is about defending my honour! This is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm. Owens' legal team has sought to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing the case does not belong in Delaware and would impose financial hardships on her.