Macron Couple Files Defamation Lawsuit Against US Activist Over Identity Claims

The French presidential couple, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, are taking legal action against US activist Candace Owens, who has made controversial claims regarding Brigitte's identity. The Macrons aim to disprove assertions suggesting that Brigitte was born male and lived as a man until her early thirties.

This lawsuit, filed in a US court, seeks to clear Brigitte Macron's name by presenting physical evidence and expert testimonies. According to Tom Clare, the couple's attorney, they possess photographs of Brigitte during her pregnancy and while raising her children, which will be submitted as evidence in court.

Owens, a prominent figure known for her alignment with former President Donald Trump, has propagated these claims since March 2024. The Macrons' legal team is prepared to demonstrate that Owens's statements are fundamentally incorrect. Court documents reportedly clarify that Brigitte was born on April 13, 1953, in Amiens, France, as Brigitte Trogneux, the youngest of six children in a well-known family involved in chocolate production.

In the ongoing legal battle, the Macrons assert that Owens's accusations not only misrepresent Brigitte's past but also subject them to a global campaign of humiliation. They argue that such unfounded claims are financially damaging and harmful to their family life.

Brigitte Macron, a mother of three from a previous marriage, is reportedly willing to endure the public scrutiny that comes with this case to set the record straight. Her attorney emphasized her commitment to confronting these allegations head-on, stating that she is prepared to bear any associated discomfort if it means restoring her reputation.

The impact of these claims extends beyond Brigitte, affecting Emmanuel Macron as well. His attorney noted that the unfounded accusations have created a strain on their family life, a burden felt by anyone balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Owens has also faced backlash for her remarks, with court documents characterizing her as a self-proclaimed investigative journalist who frequently disseminates misinformation under the guise of credible reporting. The Macrons' legal team argues that her statements are designed to provoke and demean, rather than contribute to informed discourse.

As the case unfolds, Owens's defense team is attempting to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that the allegations do not pertain to her business activities in Delaware, where the lawsuit was filed. They argue that defending against these claims would result in significant operational and financial challenges.

This case reflects broader issues concerning public figures and the dissemination of misinformation, especially within the politically charged environment of the United States. The outcome may have implications not only for the Macrons but also for the standards of accountability in public discourse.