Macron couple files lawsuit against Candace Owens

The Macrons are suing Owens for spreading false claims about Brigitte Macron's identity.

Macron couple files defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens in Delaware Superior Court. They accuse Owens of launching a campaign of humiliation to boost her podcast profile by spreading false rumors, such as claims that Brigitte is a man born as Jean-Michel Trogneux. The lawsuit contains 22 counts, seeking unspecified damages and calls out other fabrications related to their relationship and Macron's presidency. Winning the case could be challenging due to the legal standard of proving "actual malice" against public figures in the U.S. No comments from Owens or the Macrons have emerged following the filing.

This lawsuit represents a rare instance of world leaders taking legal action in the U.S. over defamation. It highlights ongoing tensions between public figures and the unchecked spread of misinformation online. The Macrons' attempts to address the false claims reflect a growing concern among global leaders about their reputations being tarnished by social media influencers. As such cases rise in frequency, they may challenge the boundaries of free speech and push for stricter accountability on platforms where defamatory content thrives.

Highlights

The outcome of this lawsuit may reshape the dynamics between public figures and online discourse.