Macrons file new defamation suit against Candace Owens in Tennessee
The French first couple has filed a fresh defamation lawsuit against far‑right podcaster Candace Owens in Tennessee, the Guardian reported.
The French first couple has filed a fresh defamation lawsuit against far‑right podcaster Candace Owens in Tennessee, the Guardian reported. The filing follows an earlier suit the Macrons lodged in July 2025 in Delaware after Owens repeated what they described as "verifiably false and devastating lies" on her podcast and on X.
According to the earlier complaint, Owens alleged that Brigitte Macron, 73, was born a man named Jean‑Michel Trogneux – actually her older brother – and had committed identity theft to conceal a gender transition. She also claimed Emmanuel Macron was elected president as part of a CIA mind‑control program and that the couple were blood‑related relatives engaging in incest. The new Tennessee action escalates the transatlantic legal battle as Owens continues to promote the same false narratives.
The Macrons say the repeated accusations have damaged their reputations and seek legal redress in the United States.
Why it matters
The case highlights the challenges of confronting cross‑border defamation and the spread of false claims about public figures.
Key details
- Location
- France · Europe
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- Candace Owens, Brigitte Macron, Emmanuel, Tennessee
- Section
- World
Sources
This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:
Read the full story at The GuardianSpotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced
Related Stories
Arrests made in Mohamed Al Fayed probe in France, police say
The Ritz hotel in Paris, which is still owned by the Al Fayed family, is one of the properties searched by police.
French resistance heroine Solange Alexandre dies at 104
The BBC reported that French wartime resistance heroine Solange Alexandre has died at the age of 104.
Iran-linked hack defrosts French supermarket freezers, part of broader cyber messaging
The Guardian reported that a "not particularly complex" defrosting hack targeted freezers in a French supermarket chain and has been attributed to…
Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announces bid for French presidency
The Guardian reported that five‑times Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner has announced plans to run in next year’s French presidential election.
Why does Australia want Brits to swap Sydney for the outback?
Australia wants changes to UK deal that would push backpackers out of Bondi and into remote regions.
Thomas Markle detained in Florida after alleged ankle monitor tampering
Thomas Markle, the 82‑year‑old father of Meghan, was taken into custody in Florida after officials said he cut off his ankle monitor.
Violence erupts in Bangladesh as ousted PM's supporters stage protest
Supporters of Sheikh Hasina want her to return from exile in India.
UK counter-terrorism police arrest member of US army with alleged links to Russia
Man, 41, arrested as part of an investigation by British police working with US authorities, US military and FBI A member of the US army with…