Emmanuel Macron, the French president, and his wife Brigitte are taking legal action against Candace Owens, a right-wing influencer. They claim that Owens’ allegations—suggesting Brigitte was born a man—are defamatory. The couple filed the suit in July, stating that Owens has been spreading false claims to gain attention and revenue for her platform.
Owens made a bold statement last year, asserting she would “stake [her] entire professional reputation on the fact” that Brigitte Macron is not who she says she is. Since then, she has persisted with these claims, even launching an eight-part podcast series on the topic.
Tom Clare, the Macrons’ lawyer from Clare Locke, a firm known for its defamation successes, stated that Brigitte finds these claims distressing and distracting for her husband’s presidency. Clare mentioned that they plan to present scientific evidence to counter Owens’ assertions.
He confirmed that expert testimony will support their case. This could involve public demonstrations to fully clarify the truth. Clare indicated they are prepared to show personal evidence, like photographs of Brigitte during her pregnancies and raising her children.
The defamation suit not only targets Owens’ statements but also aims to clear the family’s name. Brigitte is 72 years old and has three children from a previous marriage, along with seven grandchildren. She met Emmanuel when she was his drama teacher, sparking a relationship that began in a theater workshop.
Interestingly, the narrative surrounding Brigitte’s gender has been around since 2021, when claims first emerged online. Previously, she and her brother won a defamation case against two bloggers, but a later court ruling questioned whether the legal grounds for defamation were met.
Owens’ lawyers are pushing to dismiss the case, arguing it should not have been filed in Delaware, where her business is based. Despite the pushback, Owens remains firm in her stance.
In today’s media landscape, misinformation can spread rapidly. This high-profile defamation case reflects not just a personal battle for the Macrons, but also highlights broader issues of truth in media and the impact of social media on public figures.
While legal battles often drag on, they emphasize the importance of credibility. According to a recent survey by Pew Research, over 65% of Americans are concerned about misinformation affecting public opinion. These concerns are fueling discussions about accountability and the role of influencers in shaping narratives.
For more insights into the state of misinformation and its effects, you can dive into Pew Research’s latest findings.
