French President Macron Files Defamation Lawsuit Against US Podcaster Candace Owens

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Macron escalates Legal Battle Against US Podcaster Over “Devastating Lies”

Paris/Delaware – In a highly publicized legal maneuver, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte macron, have launched a defamation lawsuit in Delaware against prominent right-wing US podcaster Candace Owens. The lawsuit,a substantial 218-page complaint,targets Owens for allegedly spreading “verifiably false and devastating lies” concerning the French First Lady thru an eight-part podcast and YouTube series titled “Becoming Brigitte.”

The legal action, filed in Delaware Superior Court, seeks a jury trial and unspecified punitive damages. According to a statement released by their legal counsel, the Macrons initiated the suit after Owens repeatedly disregarded requests to retract the damaging claims. The podcast series, which has garnered meaningful attention and millions of followers across platforms like X and YouTube, reportedly included accusations that Brigitte Macron was transgender and had stolen another person’s identity, as well as deeply disturbing implications of incest within the presidential couple.

The Macrons’ legal team asserts that the alleged defamatory campaign was deliberately orchestrated to inflict pain and harassment on the couple and their families, while together enhancing Owens’ personal notoriety. They emphasized that ample opportunities where provided for owens to withdraw the false narratives before legal action was taken.The complaint specifically addresses the timeline of the Macrons’ relationship, noting that when then-15-year-old Emmanuel Macron met Brigitte, his teacher, their relationship “remained within the bounds of the law.”

“It is our earnest hope that this lawsuit will set the record straight and end this campaign of defamation once and for all,” stated the Macrons’ representatives.

Candace Owens, though, has countered the allegations, describing the lawsuit in her own podcast on Wednesday as being “littered with factual inaccuracies” and a “desperate public relations strategy” designed to damage her reputation. Owens’ team further characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to “bully” her, particularly after Brigitte Macron reportedly declined Owens’ interview requests. A spokesperson for Owens framed the legal action as a “foreign government attacking the First Amendment rights of an American independent journalist.” Despite Owens’ claims of surprise,lawyers for both sides have reportedly been in communication since January.

A Pattern of Public figures Navigating Defamation Claims

The Macrons’ lawsuit adds to a small but notable list of instances where world leaders have resorted to legal channels to address defamation. Notably, former US President Donald Trump has also engaged in litigation, including a substantial $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal concerning claims about his alleged creation of a lewd birthday greeting for financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Journal has maintained its commitment to defending its reporting in that case. Moreover,Trump reached a $15 million settlement with Walt Disney-owned ABC in December over an inaccurate report concerning jury findings in a civil lawsuit.

It is indeed critically important to note that in the United States, public figures pursuing defamation claims face the stringent legal standard of proving “actual malice.” This requires demonstrating that the defendant knowingly published false information or acted with a reckless disregard for the truth.

How might the “actual malice” standard impact the Macrons’ chances of winning the defamation lawsuit?

The Lawsuit Details: Macron vs. Owens

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have initiated legal action against conservative influencer and podcaster Candace Owens. The lawsuit, filed on July 24, 2025, centers around allegations of defamation. According to reports from variety, the Macrons are taking issue wiht claims made by Owens, though the specific details of those claims haven’t been fully disclosed publicly as of this writing. This legal battle highlights the increasing intersection of political discourse, social media, and international law.

Understanding Defamation & Libel Laws

Defamation, in legal terms, involves making false statements that harm someone’s reputation. It’s categorized into two main types:

Libel: Defamation through written or published material (including online posts and articles).This is the likely basis for the Macron’s lawsuit,given Owens’ platform as a podcaster and online personality.

Slander: Defamation through spoken words.

To win a defamation case,the plaintiff (in this case,the Macrons) generally needs to prove several elements:

1. False Statement: The statement made by the defendant (Owens) must be demonstrably false.
2. Publication: The statement must have been communicated to a third party.
3. Identification: The statement must be about the plaintiff.
4. Damage: The statement must have caused harm to the plaintiff’s reputation.
5. Fault: Depending on the plaintiff’s status (public figure vs. private individual), a different level of fault needs to be proven. Public figures, like President Macron, generally need to prove “actual malice” – that the defendant knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

Candace Owens’ Previous Controversies & Online Presence

Candace Owens has built a significant following through her conservative commentary and podcasting. She’s known for her outspoken views on a range of political and social issues. Her online presence, primarily on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, has frequently sparked debate and controversy.

Past Criticisms: Owens has previously faced criticism for spreading misinformation and engaging in inflammatory rhetoric.

Political Affiliations: She is a vocal supporter of the republican Party and has been involved in various political campaigns.

Media Appearances: Owens has frequently appeared on conservative media outlets, further amplifying her reach and influence.

The legal Landscape: International Defamation Suits

filing a defamation lawsuit across international borders presents unique legal challenges. Several factors come into play:

Jurisdiction: Determining which court has the authority to hear the case.The Macrons likely filed in France, leveraging French defamation laws.

Enforcement: If the Macrons win the lawsuit, enforcing the judgment against Owens in the United States could be complex.

Freedom of Speech Considerations: balancing the right to free speech with the need to protect individuals from defamation is a delicate process, notably when dealing with cross-border disputes. French defamation laws are generally considered more protective of reputation than those in the United States.

French Law Specifics: France has strict laws regarding the protection of privacy and reputation. Penalties for defamation can be significant, including fines and even imprisonment.

Potential outcomes of the Macron Lawsuit

The outcome of this lawsuit is uncertain.Several scenarios are possible:

Settlement: The parties could reach a settlement agreement, potentially involving a retraction of the allegedly defamatory statements and a financial payment.

Trial: The case could proceed to trial, where a judge or jury would hear evidence and determine whether Owens defamed the Macrons.

Dismissal: The lawsuit could be dismissed if the court finds that the Macrons have not met the legal requirements for defamation.

Damages Awarded: If the Macrons win, the court could award them monetary damages to compensate for the harm to their reputation.

Implications for Online Discourse & Public Figures

This case has broader implications for online discourse and the challenges faced by public figures in protecting their reputations.

Increased Scrutiny: It may lead to increased scrutiny of online statements, particularly those made by influencers and commentators.

Chilling Effect: Some worry that such lawsuits could have a chilling effect on free speech, discouraging individuals from expressing their opinions.

Accountability: Others argue that it’s crucial to hold individuals accountable for false and damaging statements, especially when those statements are made with malice.

Reputation Management: This case underscores the importance of reputation management for public figures in the digital age.

Resources for Further Information

Variety: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/emmanuel-macron-brigitte-defamation-lawsuit-candace-owens-1236468171/

* Cornell Law School – Defamation: [https://[https://