In a landmark case, French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron have filed a 22-count lawsuit in Delaware against controversial U.S. podcaster Candace Owens, accusing her of orchestrating a global campaign of defamation and harassment for profit.
Allegations of a Global Smear Campaign
The lawsuit claims Owens spread bizarre and defamatory allegations on her podcast and social media platforms, including the false assertion that Brigitte Macron was born as her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, and later fabricated her female identity. Owens also alleged the Macrons were related by blood, engaged in incest, and that Emmanuel Macron rose to power through a secret CIA mind-control project.
A History of Rumors and Legal Action
This is not the first time Brigitte Macron has been targeted by such claims. In 2021, she filed a defamation lawsuit in France against Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey, who promoted the same rumors. While a lower court initially ruled in her favor, the Paris Court of Appeal overturned the decision. The case is now before France’s highest judicial body.
Viral Campaigns and Online Impact
Owens’ claims quickly gained traction online, with her supporters launching a widespread campaign under hashtags such as #JeanMichelTrogneux. Her videos have drawn millions of views; one titled “Why Won’t the Media Cover Brigitte Macron’s Real Gender?” garnered 2.4 million views on Twitter alone.
Legal Challenges Ahead in the U.S.
Under U.S. law, public figures like the Macrons face a high bar in defamation cases. They must prove “actual malice”—that Owens knew the claims were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Owens, meanwhile, has previously stated: “Truth doesn’t matter. What matters is the power of the narrative.”
A Potential Landmark Case
While neither side has officially commented, sources close to the Élysée Palace told The Guardian that the lawsuit is a “firm response to the rumor industry profiting from defamation.” Legal experts say the outcome could set a historic precedent in the global fight against disinformation and fake news targeting public figures.
From: Euronews