What do a French First Lady, a conservative American commentator, and a conspiracy theory have in common? A transatlantic legal battle that’s more thrilling than a soap opera plot twist.
At a Glance
- Brigitte Macron is suing Candace Owens for defamation over claims she was born a man.
- The rumor originated in French conspiracy circles and gained traction before the 2022 French presidential elections.
- The Macrons are fighting the misinformation in both French and U.S. courts.
- The controversy highlights challenges in combating digital disinformation.
The Origins of a Conspiracy
In the digital age, rumors spread like wildfire. Enter the bizarre theory that Brigitte Macron, the elegant First Lady of France, was born a man and assumed another identity. This wild tale didn’t start in a dark corner of the internet, but rather in French conspiracy circles. It gained notoriety after a four-hour YouTube video by self-proclaimed truth-seekers Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy, who spun a tale more fantastical than a Hollywood blockbuster.
The theory suggests that Brigitte was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux, her brother, before transitioning and taking his identity. As absurd as it sounds, this rumor gained traction right before the 2022 French presidential elections, fueled by the age difference between Brigitte and her husband, Emmanuel Macron. The First Lady filed a libel complaint in 2022, hoping to put this ludicrous story to rest.
The Controversy Goes International
Fast forward to 2024, and U.S. far-right commentator Candace Owens decided to revive and internationalize this conspiracy. With a podcast series titled “Becoming Brigitte,” Owens didn’t just fan the flames; she poured gasoline on them. Despite offering no credible evidence, Owens claimed she would stake her professional reputation on the veracity of her assertions.
Her podcast series and social media content have amassed millions of views, turning a French domestic issue into a global spectacle. The Macrons, not ones to shy away from a challenge, filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens in Delaware Superior Court in July 2025, marking the latest chapter in this ongoing drama.
The Legal Battle: A Transatlantic Tangle
The legal proceedings are unfolding on both sides of the Atlantic. French courts are currently reviewing a previous dismissal of charges against Rey and Roy, while the Macrons’ U.S. lawsuit against Owens is ongoing. As public figures, the Macrons face a higher threshold to prove defamation, but they wield significant legal resources to combat the misinformation.
Meanwhile, Owens and her supporters leverage their large online followings to amplify their message, often skirting around French jurisdiction. The case underscores the complexities of cross-border defamation and the limitations of national legal systems in addressing such issues.
The Broader Impact and Implications
The ramifications of this controversy extend beyond the courtroom. In the short term, the Macrons face reputational harm and personal distress, while the First Lady’s gender identity becomes fodder for online harassment. In the long run, the case could set legal precedents for handling cross-border defamation and highlight the challenges of combating digital disinformation.
The controversy has also brought to light broader societal issues. The targeting of political spouses with gender-based conspiracy theories is not just a French phenomenon, but part of a disturbing trend of digital harassment. This case serves as a reminder of the corrosive effects of viral misinformation on public trust and democratic discourse.
