Macron Couple Takes Legal Stand: 'Scientific Evidence' to Prove Brigitte's Gender

Thu Sep 18 2025 11:32:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are set to present photographic and scientific evidence in a US court to counter defamation claims from influencer Candace Owens, who suggested Brigitte was born male.

In an unusual defamation case, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte plan to submit photographic and scientific evidence to a US court in response to allegations made by right-wing influencer Candace Owens. The couple's lawyer stated that Brigitte finds the claims deeply upsetting and is prepared to provide proof of her gender. This legal action follows a pattern of similar allegations dating back to 2021, highlighting broader issues of defamation and the impact of misinformation.

Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are planning to present photographic and scientific evidence to a US court to prove Mrs. Macron is a woman.

Their lawyer says the French president and Mrs. Macron will present the documentation in a defamation suit they have taken against the right-wing influencer Candace Owens after she promoted her belief that Brigitte Macron was born male.

Ms. Owens' lawyers have responded with a motion to dismiss the claim.

Speaking to the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast, the Macrons' lawyer in the case, Tom Clare, noted that Mrs. Macron had found the claims incredibly upsetting and that they distract from her husband's responsibilities as a leader.

I don't want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life as well, when your family is under attack, it wears on you, he explained.

Mr. Clare revealed that there would be expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature, although he did not disclose specifics about the evidence. However, he did assert that the couple is ready to demonstrate that the allegations are false.

It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself to put this type of proof forward, Clare added, emphasizing Brigitte's resolve to clear her name.

When asked if they would provide images of Brigitte during her pregnancies and raising their children, Mr. Clare confirmed that such evidence exists and would be presented in court.

Candace Owens has repeatedly claimed on social media that Brigitte Macron is a man, a stance she notably reinforced in March 2024 by vowing to stake her entire professional reputation on the allegation.

The origins of this allegation can be traced to fringe online communities and a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey. The Macrons had previously won a defamation case in France against these bloggers, but that ruling was overturned in 2025 on freedom of expression grounds.

In July, the Macrons filed their lawsuit against Ms. Owens in the US, alleging she ignored credible evidence disproving her claims and opted to platform known conspiracy theorists. In cases of defamation against public figures in the US, plaintiffs must prove actual malice.

In a past interview with Paris Match, President Macron explained the motivation behind the legal action, stating, This is about defending my honour! This is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders.

Ms. Owens' legal team intends to dismiss the Macrons' lawsuit, arguing the filing location is inappropriate as it does not pertain to her businesses in Delaware. They assert that defending in Delaware would impose significant financial and operational burdens.

The BBC has reached out to Candace Owens' legal representatives for a comment. Owens argues she stands by her claims, insisting that free speech includes the right to express criticism.