French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against right-wing commentator Candace Owens, after she repeatedly promoted the false claim that Brigitte was born male.

The Macrons’ legal team, led by attorney Tom Clare, says they will present photographic and scientific evidence in court to prove Brigitte Macron is a biological woman. Clare stated the allegations have been “incredibly upsetting” to the First Lady and a “distraction” for the president, though he remains focused on his duties.

The lawsuit comes after Owens, who has millions of followers online, declared in March 2024 that she would stake her “entire professional reputation” on the claim. The theory originated from a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers and gained traction in far-right circles. The Macrons previously won a related case in France, which was later overturned on appeal due to free speech protections, not because the claims were proven true.

In a July 2025 US lawsuit, the Macrons allege Owens ignored credible evidence and intentionally spread misinformation. Under US defamation law, they must prove “actual malice” — that Owens knowingly made false claims or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

Owens’ legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing it was improperly filed in Delaware and poses financial hardship. Meanwhile, President Macron told Paris Match that the lawsuit is about defending his family’s honor against deliberate lies promoted for ideological gain.

Brigitte Macron is reportedly prepared to undergo the public scrutiny necessary to disprove the allegations and set the record straight.