French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse, Brigitte Macron, have initiated legal proceedings against right-wing commentator Candace Owens due to a ‘humiliating’ conspiracy theory.
The lawsuit accuses the podcaster of promoting the untrue conspiracy theory alleging Brigitte is ‘actually a man’.
The Macrons are demanding a jury trial along with punitive damages, which are monetary penalties aimed at punishing wrongful actions and deterring similar behavior by others.
To prevail under US defamation laws, Macron and his wife must demonstrate that Owens acted with ‘actual malice’, meaning she either knowingly spread false information or showed ‘reckless disregard for the truth’.
The suit highlights one bizarre claim where Owens suggested that Brigitte was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux and assumed the identity of a woman.
As reported by the Financial Times, Owens has insinuated that Macron and his wife are ‘blood relatives’, further alleging that the French President is the outcome of a CIA experiment or ‘government mind control programme’.
The legal filing claims Owens’ falsehoods have inflicted significant harm on the Macrons and fueled a ‘campaign of global humiliation’, transforming their lives into subjects for profit-driven falsehoods.
“These claims are demonstrably false, and Owens knew they were false when she published them. Yet, she published them anyway,” the lawsuit asserts.
“And the reason is clear: it is not the pursuit of truth, but the pursuit of fame,” the couple adds.
The document further states: “This is nothing new for Owens. She has built a brand on provocation, not truth. Owens labels herself as an independent ‘investigative journalist’ while routinely peddling misinformation under the guise of legitimate reporting.
“Her content is not intended to inform but to inflame and attract attention through sensationalism and conspiracy theories.”
The Macrons claim that Owens’ remarks have scrutinized their appearance, marriage, friends, family, and personal history, leading to ‘relentless bullying’ on a global scale.
“Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications. It is invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust,” the suit states.
“Owens was repeatedly presented with credible, verifiable evidence disproving her claims – including documentation, public records, and direct outreach from the Macrons.”
UNILAD has reached out to Owens for a statement.