Macron’s Pair Launch Legal Action Against Candace Owens Over Transgender Claims

Macron and First lady brigitte Macron attend an event.”>

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte macron. (Photo: Provided)

Macrons Sue Candace Owens in U.S. Over Defamatory Rumors

Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against right-wing podcaster Candace Owens. The lawsuit, lodged in Delaware Superior Court, accuses Owens of orchestrating a “campaign of global humiliation” and “relentless bullying” to promote her podcast by spreading baseless rumors, including the false claim that the French First Lady is a man.

The complaint specifically addresses the repeated assertion that Brigitte Macron was born Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is the name of her brother.The suit further alleges that Owens falsely propagated conspiracy theories, suggesting President Macron’s ascent to the presidency was orchestrated by the CIA through mind-control programs like MKUltra.

The Macrons’ legal filing outlines a litany of outlandish and defamatory claims attributed to Owens, including that Mrs. Macron was born male, illicitly assumed another person’s identity, and underwent a gender transition; that the President and First Lady are blood relatives engaged in incestuous relations; and that they are involved in forgery, fraud, and abuse of power to conceal these alleged secrets.

The 22-count complaint seeks unspecified damages. This legal action marks a meaningful moment, with a global leader directly pursuing a defamation case in the U.S. While public figures in the United States, such as former President Donald Trump, have frequently engaged in defamation litigation, it is indeed a less common route for heads of state.

To succeed in a U.S. defamation case, public figures must demonstrate “actual malice,” meaning they must prove the defendant was aware that the published statements were false. Neither Candace Owens nor representatives for the Macrons have yet issued public comments regarding the lawsuit.

This is not the first instance of Brigitte Macron taking legal action against defamatory claims regarding her gender identity. In 2021, she filed lawsuits against individuals Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey for propagating similar transgender rumors online, which subsequently gained widespread traction. while an initial lower court ruling ordered both women to pay damages to Mrs. Macron and her brother, the case faced subsequent legal challenges, including an appeal that saw the Paris appeals court overturn the convictions, leading to further legal proceedings earlier this year.

What specific legal arguments are being used to claim Owens’ statements constitute defamation under French law?

The Lawsuit: Details and Allegations

French President Emmanuel Macron’s political party, Renaissance (formerly La République En Marche!), through two of its representatives, have initiated legal proceedings against conservative commentator Candace Owens in France. The core of the lawsuit centers around owens’ statements regarding transgender individuals and her claims about French society. Specifically, the legal action alleges diffamation (defamation) and incitement to hatred.

The complaint focuses on Owens’ assertions made on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), where she characterized France as “falling” due to its acceptance of transgender people. She further claimed that France is actively “trying to erase women” through policies supporting transgender rights. These statements, according to the plaintiffs, are demonstrably false and contribute to a hostile surroundings for transgender individuals in France and beyond.

key Claims and counterarguments

Owens’ arguments frequently revolve around the concept of biological sex and the perceived threat to women’s spaces and sports from transgender women. She ofen frames transgender rights as a form of ideological imposition.

The plaintiffs, however, counter that Owens’ rhetoric:

Misrepresents French Law: French law does not aim to erase women. Legislation focuses on protecting transgender rights and ensuring equal opportunities, not diminishing the rights of cisgender women.

Perpetuates Harmful Stereotypes: Her statements reinforce damaging stereotypes about transgender people, contributing to discrimination and violence.

Incites Hatred: The language used is considered inflammatory and designed to provoke negative sentiment towards a vulnerable group.

Violates French Law: French law prohibits incitement to hatred based on gender identity.

French Legal Framework & defamation Laws

france has stringent laws regarding defamation and hate speech. Diffamation in france carries meaningful penalties, including fines and imprisonment.The legal threshold for proving defamation is relatively lower than in the United States, placing a greater burden on the defendant to demonstrate the truthfulness of their statements or a legitimate public interest defense.

Key aspects of the French legal framework relevant to this case include:

1. The Press law of 1881: This foundational law governs freedom of the press but also outlines the boundaries of permissible speech.
2. Gayssot Act (1990): Originally aimed at combating antisemitism, this law has been extended to protect other groups from incitement to hatred.
3. Recent Amendments: ongoing debates and potential amendments to French law are continually refining the definition of hate speech and online content moderation.

Potential Outcomes and Implications

The lawsuit could result in several outcomes:

Financial Penalties: Owens could be ordered to pay substantial fines to the plaintiffs and potentially to organizations supporting transgender rights.

removal of Content: A court could mandate the removal of the offending posts from social media platforms.

Public Apology: Owens might be required to issue a public apology for her statements.

Criminal Charges: Depending on the severity of the court’s findings, criminal charges could be filed.

The case has broader implications for online discourse and the regulation of speech regarding transgender issues. It highlights the growing tension between freedom of expression and the need to protect vulnerable groups from hate speech. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in France and potentially influence legal debates in other countries.

Candace Owens’ Response and Legal Strategy

Owens has publicly dismissed the lawsuit as an attempt to silence her and stifle free speech. Her legal team is expected to argue that her statements constitute legitimate political commentary protected under freedom of expression principles.They may also attempt to demonstrate that her claims are based on genuine concerns about the impact of transgender rights policies.

A key element of her defense will likely focus on the argument that her statements were made in the context of a broader debate about societal values and were not intended to incite violence or hatred. Though, French courts frequently enough prioritize the impact of speech over the speaker’s intent.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

The case also raises questions about the duty of social media platforms like X in moderating content and addressing hate speech. While platforms generally have policies prohibiting hate speech, enforcement is frequently enough inconsistent. The lawsuit could prompt increased scrutiny of X’s content moderation practices and potentially lead to legal challenges against the platform itself. Social media regulation is a growing area of concern globally.

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