Macron and First Lady File Federal Defamation Lawsuit Against Candace Owens in Tennessee
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a federal defamation lawsuit against American podcaster Candace Owens in Tennessee. This legal action follows a previous case in Delaware where a judge ruled the court lacked personal jurisdiction over Owens. The Macrons allege that Owens repeatedly promoted false claims, including that Brigitte Macron was born male and assumed another identity, Jean-Michel Trogneux, who is Brigitte Macron’s older brother. The lawsuit claims Owens used these allegations to damage their reputations, attract viewers, and generate revenue through broadcasts, social media posts, and merchandise sales, including a doll depicting Brigitte Macron. The couple had sought retractions before initiating their first lawsuit in July 2025, but Owens allegedly continued to disseminate the claims. The Tennessee complaint includes claims of defamation, defamation by implication, and false light, seeking to hold Owens personally responsible for the alleged harm.