Sign in

France’s Emmanuel Macron breaks silence on why he sued Candace Owens over ‘nonsense’ Brigitte conspiracy theory

Emmanuel Macron filed a lawsuit against Candace Owens for defamation over her false claims about his wife, Brigitte

Published on: Aug 20, 2025, 24:57:56 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

French President Emmanuel Macron, who filed a lawsuit against Candace Owens, revealed that he did so to refute her “nonsense” allegations on his wife Brigitte Macron.

France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron (AFP)
France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron (AFP)

Last month, Macrons sued Owens for defamation after she falsely accused Brigitte of being born a man in her “relentless and unjustified smear campaign.” The couple sued her on 22 charges, including malicious claims and defamation, and they are even requesting damages.

In an interview with Paris Match , the French president discussed the issue for the first time since suing Owens, saying that he felt obligated to do so since the false charges had taken on a life of their own in the United States.

“This has become so widespread in the United States that we had to react,” the French President stated, as per the Independent UK. “It’s a question of having the truth respected.”

Also Read: What happened to Sarah Grace Patrick? Carrollton teen charged with killing mom and stepdad, denied bond in hearing

What the suit says

According to the complaint registered in Delaware state court, Owens initially made the baseless allegation in March 2024 and went on to elaborate on it in her eight-part podcast series titled “Becoming Brigitte.” The complaint claims that the Macrons have suffered “tremendous damage” as a result of her lies.

In order to avoid the “Streisand effect,” which is when someone tries to hide something in order to draw more attention to it, the couple was first told not to make a complaint against Owens, the French president told Paris Match. However, he stated that they felt compelled to reply due to the substantial amount of attention the claims have received.

Macron responded, “It is not freedom of speech to want to prevent the restoration of the truth,” when asked about the negative reaction he and Brigitte have received in the United States following Owens' comments. Those who talk to you about this so-called freedom of speech are the ones who ban journalists from the Oval Office. I do not accept this.”

‘It is dehumanizing and deeply unjust’

According to the complaint, Owens' comments exposed the couple to a “campaign of global humiliation, turning their lives into fodder for profit-driven lies.”

“The result is relentless bullying on a worldwide 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,” as per the filing.

The Macrons attacked Owens' credibility as well. The lawsuit alleges that she routinely peddled “misinformation under the guise of legitimate reporting,” such as spreading conspiracy theories against vaccines, and “built a brand on provocation, not truth.” The Covid-19 vaccinations, according to her, are “pure evil.”

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.