What happens when a high-profile First Lady, a conspiracy theory with legs, and a firebrand commentator collide? A courtroom drama worthy of a blockbuster novel.
At a Glance
- Brigitte Macron, First Lady of France, is embroiled in a defamation lawsuit against U.S. commentator Candace Owens.
- The conspiracy theory claims Brigitte Macron was born a man and stole another person’s identity.
- The allegations originated in French conspiracy circles and were later internationalized by Owens.
- The case highlights challenges in combating digital disinformation and cross-border defamation.
The Origins of a Conspiracy Theory
The rumor that Brigitte Macron was “born a man” and assumed another identity has been circulating since 2021. It originated from a French conspiracy video that gained traction among far-right groups and conspiracy theorists. The theory claims Brigitte transitioned and took on the identity of her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. Despite a lack of credible evidence, the conspiracy theory spread like wildfire, fueled by political opposition and sensationalism.
In 2022, Brigitte Macron filed a libel complaint in France, seeking to quash these baseless claims. However, the conspiracy was revived by Candace Owens in 2024 and 2025, who produced a podcast series and social media content reiterating the claims. This internationalized the issue, bringing it into the spotlight once again.
Key Players in the Drama
Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron are the central figures, battling these defamatory claims to protect their reputations. Candace Owens, known for her controversial opinions, stands as the defendant in the U.S. lawsuit. Her podcast series, “Becoming Brigitte,” has drawn considerable attention, amplifying the conspiracy to a broader audience. Other players include Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy, the original proponents of the theory, who also faced legal action in France.
The legal battle is complex, with proceedings underway in both France and the United States. The Macrons, leveraging their significant resources, aim to prove the allegations as false and defamatory. Owens, on the other hand, appears motivated by political opposition and engagement with her audience, often using her platform to challenge mainstream narratives.
The Legal Landscape and Developments
In July 2025, the Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens in Delaware Superior Court. Meanwhile, the French Court de Cassation is reviewing the dismissal of charges against Rey and Roy after an appeals court overturned their earlier convictions. The cross-border nature of the case adds layers of complexity, with jurisdictional challenges coming to the fore.
Owens has doubled down on her claims, asserting their veracity despite lacking credible evidence. Her stance has drawn both support and criticism, highlighting the polarized nature of the debate. The legal proceedings continue, with outcomes pending in both jurisdictions.
Implications and Broader Impact
The case has short-term and long-term implications. In the short term, the Macrons face reputational harm and personal distress, while the controversy fuels online harassment. In the long term, the case could set legal precedents for cross-border defamation and the responsibilities of online influencers. It underscores the challenges of combating digital disinformation and the weaponization of gender identity as a smear tactic.
Broader societal impacts include the exacerbation of political polarization and the undermining of trust in public institutions. The controversy shines a light on the global reach of U.S.-based influencers and the limitations of national legal systems in addressing such issues. For the media and tech sectors, it prompts renewed scrutiny over content moderation and platform responsibility.
