Candace Owens is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. The legal battle stems from Owens’ repeated claims that the French first lady is male—a narrative she has aggressively promoted, despite it being widely debunked. This case highlights the significant legal risks of spreading unfounded allegations, marking another instance of right-wing figures facing legal actions over dubious assertions.
The Defamation Allegations
The defamation lawsuit arises from Candace Owens’ assertions that Brigitte Macron is, in fact, a man. Owens confidently stated she would risk her professional reputation on this claim, using it to bolster her online presence despite abundant counter-evidence. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware state court, accuses her of intentionally spreading false information for personal gain.
Previous Legal Battles in the Spotlight
The complaint against Owens follows another high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by California Governor Gavin Newsom against Fox News. Newsom accused the network of altering a segment to misrepresent his communication with President Trump. These cases underscore a growing trend of public figures taking legal action against what they perceive as harmful misinformation.
Owens’ Response and Continued Actions
After receiving a demand for retraction from the Macrons, Owens launched a podcast series titled “Becoming Brigette,” which elaborated on her allegations. The series presented unfounded claims that Brigitte Macron was born male and had assumed a false identity. The Macrons, expressing frustration over Owens’ persistent defiance, decided that legal action was their only remaining option.
Legal Perspectives and Implications
Tom Clare, the attorney representing the Macrons, described their case as a “clear-cut case of defamation.” He criticized Owens for expanding on discredited claims initially propagated by unreliable sources, all purportedly designed to harm the Macrons while enhancing Owens’ profile. This litigation could serve as a crucial test of the boundaries between protected speech and defamation.
Owens, having built a large following after her work with The Daily Wire, is no stranger to controversy. Recently, her involvement in defending public figures like Justin Baldoni and attempts to clear Harvey Weinstein in separate legal matters have kept her in the media spotlight. Brigitte Macron, having previously won defamation cases in France, remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice against baseless conspiracy theories.
