Unpacking the Defamation Lawsuit Against Candace Owens
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have taken legal action against conservative commentator Candace Owens, filing a defamation lawsuit on July 23 in Delaware Superior Court. The 22-count complaint targets Owens, her company Candace Owens LLC, and her website operator GeorgeTom Inc., over claims that Brigitte Macron was born a man. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages, alleging that Owens has used these statements to boost her personal platform and financial gain.
The controversy stems from a statement Owens made in March 2024, where she publicly declared that she would 'stake [her] entire professional reputation on the fact that Brigitte Macron is in fact a man.' According to the complaint, this assertion has been repeatedly promoted by Owens to gain notoriety and profit, causing significant distress to the Macrons and their family. Reports indicate that the French first couple is determined to seek 'substantial' damages if Owens continues to propagate this narrative.
Owens's Response and Broader Implications
In response to the lawsuit, Candace Owens has shown no intention of retracting her statements. A spokesperson for Owens emphasized that she 'is not shutting up,' doubling down on her claims despite the legal challenge. This defiance has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms like X, where opinions are divided over the validity of the claims and the appropriateness of the legal action taken by a foreign leader against a U.S. citizen.
The lawsuit also highlights previous legal battles involving Brigitte Macron over similar allegations. In prior cases, she has successfully sued individuals for libel in France, including a notable case where she was awarded damages after two women spread similar rumors before the 2022 French Presidential election. The current case against Owens, however, marks a significant escalation as it is filed in a U.S. court, raising questions about jurisdiction and the reach of defamation laws across borders.
Legal and Cultural Ramifications
The defamation suit against Candace Owens brings to light complex issues surrounding freedom of speech and the limits of public commentary, especially when it involves high-profile international figures. Legal experts note that proving defamation in a U.S. court may be challenging for the Macrons, given the stringent requirements to demonstrate malice and falsehood under American law. This case could set a precedent for how foreign dignitaries address personal attacks originating from U.S.-based individuals or entities.
Beyond the courtroom, the lawsuit has fueled debates about transphobic rhetoric and the responsibility of influencers in shaping public discourse. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could influence how public figures navigate personal allegations in the digital age, particularly when such claims are amplified through social media and independent platforms for personal or financial gain.