It started as internet rumor fodder and spiraled into a full-blown international legal drama. Conservative commentator Candace Owens is now at the center of a defamation lawsuit brought by none other than French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte. The reason? Owens publicly and repeatedly claimed that France’s First Lady is secretly a man — and she didn’t stop there. She doubled down with a YouTube docuseries, viral merchandise, and relentless trolling. Now, as the Macrons seek justice in a U.S. courtroom, the world is watching one of the most bizarre legal battles unfold.
From Fringe Theory to Front Page
Owens’ saga began with what she branded as “investigative journalism” — a multi-part YouTube series titled The Making of Brigitte. In it, she alleged that Brigitte Macron was born Jean-Michel Trogneux and transitioned later in life, even going as far as to present side-by-side photos to “prove” her theory. What could have remained a fringe internet rumor exploded once Owens amplified it with the polish of production and the reach of her platform.
The impact? Her videos went viral — not just in the U.S., but internationally. Taiwanese and Saudi Arabian broadcasts picked up on it. A user in China commented that Owens’ Macron content was “going viral” in Guangzhou. The frenzy crossed borders, cultures, and languages.
Merch, Memes, and Mockery
Fueling the fire further, Owens launched a parody T-shirt depicting Brigitte Macron as “Man of the Year” on a fake Time Magazine cover. The shirts were highlighted in both the legal complaint and real Time Magazine coverage — something Owens mocked with glee. “Getting Time Magazine to cover our fake Time Magazine T-shirt is simply iconic,” she declared on her show, reveling in the spectacle.
But it’s precisely this merchandising and mocking that turned speculation into liability. The Macrons’ legal team argues that Owens went beyond opinion and satire — she knowingly and maliciously spread false claims as fact.
What the Law Says
The Macrons filed a 22-count lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court, accusing Owens of both defamation and “false light” — a lesser-known but potent legal claim that penalizes public misrepresentation. Since public figures must meet a high bar in U.S. courts, the Macron team must prove that Owens (1) made false statements, (2) knew they were false, and (3) acted with actual malice.
Their lawyer, Tom Clare, says they tried for over a year to resolve this privately. Owens refused. Instead, she mocked their requests, ramped up the rhetoric, and sold more merch.
Candace’s Response: More Fire
If the Macrons expected contrition, they miscalculated. Owens’ response was more flamethrower than apology. Calling Macron a “very goofy man,” she accused the couple of trying to suppress her First Amendment rights and declared herself more committed than ever to covering their lives.
Supporters, meanwhile, are divided. Some view Owens as a fearless voice against censorship. Others, including legal and cultural commentators, argue she’s simply abusing free speech to peddle conspiracies for profit — and dragging journalism down with her.
The Cultural Chaos
The lawsuit’s absurdity hasn’t escaped anyone. The Breakfast Club and left-wing YouTubers alike marveled at Owens’ choice to “die on this hill,” especially when her content once carried more conventional political commentary. “This is the heel you chose?” asked one host. “You can’t lie on people and call it journalism.”
Others pointed out the exhausting pattern: say something inflammatory, double down, and then cry victim when consequences arrive. “Edge lord to victim pipeline,” one put it.
Conclusion: What Happens Now?
Whether you view Owens as a defiant crusader or a reckless provocateur, one thing is clear — this lawsuit will test the boundaries of satire, slander, and speech. The Macrons are betting that an American court will recognize the difference between protected opinion and calculated character assassination. And if they win, it might mark a new chapter in global accountability for influencers who believe virality can excuse anything.
“Getting Time Magazine to cover our fake Time Magazine t-shirt is simply iconic.” — Candace Owens
Until then, the internet remains on fire — and Owens, for better or worse, has everyone watching.
