Macrons sue Candace Owens over defamation claims

French President and first lady Brigitte Macron filed a 22-count lawsuit against Candace Owens in Delaware Superior Court.

Macrons file lawsuit against Candace Owens over defamation claims

Washington — French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have initiated a defamation lawsuit against podcaster Candace Owens, following her assertions that Brigitte Macron was born a man. This 22-count lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, demands unspecified damages from Owens, who claimed that Brigitte transitioned from a male identity. The couple alleges that Owens disregarded their requests for retraction made on several occasions, continuing to disseminate what they describe as outrageous and false accusations. They argued that Owens pursued fame over truth, describing her motives as malicious and damaging to their reputation. In their statement, the Macrons expressed that the lawsuit aims to reclaim their dignity and end the campaign of defamation that has impacted their lives. In response, Owens insisted her rights as a journalist are under threat and accused the Macrons of trying to silence her without engaging in dialogue. The Macrons allege that these unfounded claims, which have circulated widely since they first appeared in 2021, have inflicted significant emotional distress and public humiliation. They asserted that Owens, by monetizing her podcast, has pursued profits at the expense of their personal lives and integrity, turning their narrative into a spectacle for public amusement. They hope to hold Owens accountable and clarify the truth behind the defamatory claims.

This lawsuit highlights a growing tension between public figures and media personalities in the age of social media. The Macrons' step to take legal action emphasizes the chilling effects of misinformation, especially when targeting personal identities and reputations. It raises concerns about the boundaries of journalistic integrity and accountability, particularly when sensationalism replaces fact-checking. The monetary motivations Owens allegedly pursued also underscore a troubling trend where public narratives are shaped more by profit than by truth. This case not only addresses defamation but could also set a precedent regarding how far public figures can go in protecting their reputations from digital attacks.

Highlights

The outcome of this lawsuit may have broader implications for media accountability.