Macron Couple to Submit Evidence in U.S. Court to Disprove False Rumours About Brigitte Macron’s Gender
Published Date: 18th Sep, 2025
Paris / Delaware, September 2025 — French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are preparing to submit scientific and photographic evidence in a U.S. court as part of a defamation lawsuit, aimed at refuting persistent false claims that Brigitte was born male.
What’s the Lawsuit About
The Macrons filed the defamation suit in July 2025 in Delaware against U.S.-based influencer Candace Owens. The lawsuit alleges that Owens spread conspiracy theories suggesting Brigitte Macron was born male, under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux — the name of Brigitte’s older brother.
According to the Macrons, Owens used her platform to repeatedly share these false claims, allegedly to boost her audience and profit from the attention. The lawsuit lists 22 counts of defamation, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.
Evidence to Be Submitted
The Macrons’ legal team has confirmed they will present expert scientific testimony to support their case. In addition, they plan to submit family photographs, including images of Brigitte Macron during her pregnancies and with her children, to demonstrate the falsity of the claims.
Earlier Legal and Social Context
Rumours about Brigitte Macron’s gender have circulated online for years, amplified by conspiracy theorists and social media platforms.
In 2021, two women in France were convicted of libel for spreading similar claims, but their convictions were overturned on appeal in 2025 after judges cited a lack of malicious intent. Following that ruling, Brigitte Macron launched an appeal to France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation.
What’s At Stake
The U.S. lawsuit is unusual in that it involves a sitting world leader and his spouse pursuing defamation claims in a foreign court. Under American defamation law, because Brigitte Macron is a public figure, the case hinges on proving that Owens acted with “actual malice” — knowingly spreading false claims or doing so with reckless disregard for the truth.
Beyond financial damages, the Macrons say the lawsuit is about defending their reputations and pushing back against the growing influence of misinformation.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The case has generated intense international attention, raising questions about how false rumours spread across borders and how public figures can protect themselves.
Supporters argue the lawsuit highlights the dangers of unchecked online conspiracy theories, while critics frame it as a potential test of free speech boundaries. The Macrons’ lawyers stress the personal toll the rumours have taken, describing them as deeply distressing for the family.
By submitting scientific and photographic evidence, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron aim not only to disprove the defamatory rumours but also to send a clear message about the consequences of spreading falsehoods online. The outcome could set an important precedent for how cross-border defamation cases are handled in the age of global social media.
Date: 18th Sep, 2025
