Macrons to Submit Evidence to Refute Gender Rumors
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit in Delaware against U.S. commentator Candace Owens. The lawsuit arises from Owens’ repeated claims that Brigitte Macron was born male and was formerly known as her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. The Macrons say these claims are false.
Evidence to be Presented
Their legal team plans to present scientific testimony, photographic proof, and other personal documents — including family photos and material pertaining to her children — to show that the allegations are baseless.
Previous Rulings & Legal Context
Earlier cases in France involved bloggers who made similar claims; a Paris court found them guilty of defamation in 2024, but the convictions were overturned on appeal in 2025, not on the basis of truth but on freedom of expression grounds. The appellate court did not confirm any of the gender-allegation rumors.
Reaction & Personal Impact
Lawyers for the Macrons say that Brigitte has found the rumors “incredibly upsetting,” and that the spread of these falsehoods has been a distraction and source of emotional distress. The Macrons say it’s important to clear the record. Owens has declined to retract her statements and claims her speech is protected.
