Conservative commentator Candace Owens is digging in her heels after being sued for defamation by French President Emmanuel Macron, launching a new theory about France’s First Lady that’s just as sensational — and just as unfounded — as the original.
As previously reported, President Macron filed a 22-count defamation lawsuit against Owens over claims that his wife, Brigitte Trogneux, was “born a man.”
The suit alleges Owens orchestrated a coordinated smear campaign, complete with YouTube content and merchandise, to spread baseless rumors about the French First Lady’s gender identity.
But rather than back down, Owens has doubled down.
In a new video released this week, Owens acknowledges for the first time that “it’s very clear that Brigitte Trogneux existed,” seemingly walking back her original claim.
But in the same breath, she pivots to a new conspiracy theory, this time suggesting that the real Brigitte Trogneux died and was secretly replaced by her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, who may have been transgender.
“There’s no evidence that Brigitte Trogneux died. There’s no evidence of that,” Owens admits in the video. “But that’s what it feels like to me.”
Owens theorizes that Jean-Michel may have taken his sister’s place in public life as a way to honor a dying wish, or to live a more accepted identity during a time when gender nonconformity was less tolerated.
Macron’s Legal Team Calls It a Smear Campaign
Macron’s lawyers have already provided Owens with documented proof that Brigitte Trogneux was born female, including:
- A birth certificate and birth announcement
- Childhood photographs
- Marriage records
- Family lineage and maternal background
- Records of her children with President Macron
The lawsuit, filed in a French court earlier this year, asserts that Owens’ campaign crossed the line from political commentary into defamation, harassment, and character assassination, and that the harm has extended not only to the Macrons but to their children and family.
Owens Laughs Off Legal Threats
Despite the overwhelming documentary evidence and the international attention on the case, Owens has brushed off the legal action as a “PR stunt” by Macron.
Observers note that Owens’ legal risk could grow if she continues to advance knowingly unsubstantiated claims, especially after being presented with credible documentation.
Legal analysts say French defamation laws are notoriously strict, particularly when it comes to privacy and reputational harm, and unlike in the U.S., truth is not always an absolute defense.
Online Reactions: Polarized and Political
Social media reactions have been swift and divided.
Critics accuse Owens of maliciously targeting Brigitte Macron and fueling transphobic narratives, while her supporters frame her comments as part of a broader anti-establishment agenda.
“This isn’t journalism or even satire — it’s cruelty packaged as political theory,” one user wrote on X.
Others claim the lawsuit shows Macron “can’t take the heat,” and have rallied behind Owens under the banner of free speech.
But the absence of evidence, acknowledged even by Owens herself, is raising eyebrows even among conservatives, with some asking whether this latest claim has any basis beyond conjecture.
What Comes Next
While Owens continues to generate clicks and conversation, Macron’s legal team appears poised to pursue the matter seriously in court. No hearing date has been announced, but insiders suggest that the case could test the boundaries between international defamation law, social media influence, and the responsibility of digital commentators.
Whether Owens will face financial penalties or be forced to retract her claims remains to be seen. But for now, she shows no signs of walking back, only moving the goalposts.
