American conservative commentator Candace Owens has responded defiantly to a defamation lawsuit filed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, over her repeated public claims that the French First Lady was born male.
In a video posted to her YouTube channel, Owens doubled down on the allegations and expressed her readiness to face the French presidential couple in court — even if the case proceeds to the discovery stage.
“You were born a man and you will die a man. That’s the point I’m making,” Owens declared. “So give us a sample. I’ll send my doctors to take your blood. We’ll get to the bottom of it.”
The Macrons filed the 22-count civil suit on Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court, accusing Owens of spearheading a campaign of global humiliation and targeted harassment based on the longstanding far-right conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron, 72, was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux.
Describing the allegations as “invasive, dehumanising, and deeply unjust,” the lawsuit says the couple has endured repeated public confrontations and reputational damage due to the widespread circulation of the false claims.
The case marks a rare move by a sitting world leader and their spouse to pursue defamation proceedings in a U.S. court. The suit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
Under U.S. law, public figures such as the Macrons must prove that Owens acted with “actual malice” — knowingly spreading falsehoods or showing reckless disregard for the truth.
Owens, who is known for her far-right views and vocal support for former U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissed the lawsuit as an effort to suppress dissenting voices.
“I’d like to make it to discovery. I think we owe that to the world,” she said. “We’re revolting against the perverts that run the world… I think you’re sick. I think you’re disgusting.”
While gender-based conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macron have circulated for years in French extremist circles, the lawsuit contends that Owens’ international profile amplified the claims, exposing the French First Lady to broader public ridicule and emotional distress.
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