The drama just went international. Conservative commentator Candace Owens is facing legal fire from across the Atlantic, and this time it’s not just a Twitter war—it’s a massive defamation lawsuit filed by none other than French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.
According to the New York Times, the high-profile couple filed a 200-page lawsuit on Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court, targeting Owens, her media company, and the owners of her website. Their accusation? That Owens deliberately spread false, damaging, and cruel lies about France’s First Lady—all in the name of gaining clout, followers, and clicks.
The Wild Accusation That Sparked It All
In March 2024, Owens made a jaw-dropping statement on her podcast and on X (formerly Twitter), boldly claiming that Brigitte Macron is a man. Even more shocking, Owens didn’t just say it in passing—she doubled down, declaring she would stake her “entire professional reputation” on it.
“Any journalist or publication that is trying to dismiss this plausibility is immediately identifiable as establishment,” Owens posted. “I have never seen anything like this in my life. The implications here are terrifying.”
That post went viral fast—and so did the backlash.
What the Macrons Are Demanding
This isn’t just a petty online beef—this is a full-blown legal war.
The Macrons’ lawsuit accuses Owens of:
- 22 counts of defamation and related claims
- Using malicious, knowingly false statements
- Ignoring all credible evidence disproving her claims
- Mocking their attempts to correct the narrative
They are now seeking unspecified actual and punitive damages, as well as coverage of their legal fees.
In a strongly worded statement, the French presidential couple explained their reasoning:
“Because Ms. Owens systematically reaffirmed these falsehoods in response to each of our attorneys’ repeated requests for a retraction, we ultimately concluded that referring the matter to a court of law was the only remaining avenue for remedy.”
Owens Claps Back — “I’m Not Shutting Up”
So far, Owens has not been officially served with the lawsuit, according to her representative Mitchell Jackson. But that didn’t stop her from firing back.
“Candace Owens is not shutting up,” Jackson told reporters. “This is a foreign government attacking the First Amendment rights of an American independent journalist.”
Whether you see Owens as a fearless truth-teller or a reckless provocateur, one thing’s for sure—this case could set serious legal precedent around how far “free speech” can go when it crosses international boundaries.
A Global Spotlight on a Viral Conspiracy
The Macron-Owens legal battle puts an international spotlight on the growing trend of viral misinformation, especially on platforms like X and YouTube where shock value sells.
What makes this lawsuit even more unusual is its international nature—a sitting foreign president and first lady suing a U.S. media personality on American soil. Legal experts are watching closely to see how it unfolds.
This lawsuit could challenge long-standing assumptions about the reach of the First Amendment when international reputations and deeply personal attacks are involved.
Not the First—And Definitely Not the Last?
Owens, who built her platform on controversy and defiance, is no stranger to public feuds and polarizing statements. But rarely has she faced a legal battle of this magnitude, especially one involving leaders of a major European country.
The lawsuit also calls out the monetization angle—alleging Owens used the outlandish claim to draw traffic, drive donations, and boost visibility for her personal brand and media platforms.
It echoes a broader conversation about misinformation-as-content, and how going viral often comes at someone else’s expense.
So, What Happens Next?
As of now, the case is pending in Delaware courts. Legal analysts say Owens may try to dismiss the case on First Amendment grounds, but the Macrons could counter by arguing that false, defamatory claims made with actual malice don’t qualify as protected speech.
Either way, the world will be watching.
TPR’s Final Take
This isn’t just political gossip—this could be a landmark moment for international defamation law, internet accountability, and what lines public figures can or can’t cross in the digital age.
???? What’s your take on this legal showdown?
Do you think the Macrons are right to take Owens to court—or is this a threat to free speech?
Sound off in the comments below and stay tuned for more celebrity legal tea only on The Pop Radar (TPR)!