Macron sues influencer Candace Owens over claim first lady was born male

New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against the American right-wing influencer Candace Owens over her claims that France's First Lady was born male, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

According to the lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court, the Macrons accused Owens of orchestrating a malicious "campaign of global humiliation" and engaging in "relentless bullying" with false statements intended to boost her podcast and grow her audience.

The lawsuit details that Owens falsely alleged Brigitte Macron, 72, was originally named Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is in fact the name of her older brother. The Macrons described Owens' actions as invasive, dehumanising, and deeply unjust, noting the emotional and reputational damage caused by the widespread dissemination of these falsehoods.

"Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications," the complaint stated.

Owens has not yet publicly responded to the allegations, and Macron's office declined to comment further on the matter. The Macrons' legal action seeks an unspecified amount in compensatory and punitive damages.

Legal analysts note that defamation suits involving public figures in the United States require proof of "actual malice," meaning the plaintiffs must demonstrate that the accused knowingly spread false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

This lawsuit marks a rare instance of a world leader pursuing defamation litigation in the United States. Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed multiple defamation lawsuits, including a recent one against the publisher of The Wall Street Journal.