Macron Couple Takes Legal Stand Against Defamatory Claims

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have initiated a defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, seeking to counter false claims regarding Brigitte's gender identity. The lawsuit, filed in July, aims to present scientific evidence in a US court to demonstrate that Brigitte Macron, 72, was not born a man, as alleged by Owens. The claims, which Owens has continued to propagate—including in an eight-part podcast series—assert that Brigitte Macron is actually a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux. This assertion has caused significant distress for Brigitte Macron, as revealed by Tom Clare, the lawyer representing the couple. Clare stated that Brigitte has found these allegations incredibly upsetting and that they serve as a distraction for President Macron's duties. To substantiate their case, the Macrons plan to introduce expert testimony that is scientific in nature, although specific details about this evidence have not been disclosed. The lawyer emphasized that the couple is committed to demonstrating both genetically and specifically that the claims made by Owens are false. Clare noted, "It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way... But she is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight." The lawsuit contends that Jean-Michel Trogneux is Brigitte's older brother, who lives in Amiens, France, where they both grew up alongside four other siblings. The suit also highlights that Trogneux attended Emmanuel Macron's presidential inaugurations in 2017 and 2022, reinforcing the familial ties that undercut Owens' claims. Brigitte Macron has three children from a previous marriage and is 24 years older than her husband, whom she met at a theatrical workshop when he was a teenager. The allegations regarding her gender were first circulated in 2021, leading the Macrons to previously win a defamation case against two bloggers. However, an appeals court later ruled that the case did not meet the legal definition of defamation, prompting the couple to take their fight to France's highest court. As part of their lawsuit against Owens, the Macrons allege that she has ignored credible evidence that disproves her claims and instead has chosen to promote conspiracy theories and known defamers. In response, Owens' legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that it should not have been filed in Delaware, as the claims do not pertain to the businesses incorporated there. Owens remains steadfast in her allegations, maintaining that she stands by her assertions regarding Brigitte Macron's identity. As this high-profile legal battle unfolds, it raises questions about the impact of misinformation in the digital age, the responsibilities of public figures, and the ways in which such accusations can affect individuals' lives. The Macrons' determination to address these challenges head-on signals their commitment to defending their personal integrity amidst a highly publicized scandal. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2