French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are preparing to present both scientific and photographic evidence in a U.S. court to challenge a false conspiracy theory claiming Brigitte was born male. Their American lawyer, Tom Clare of the firm Clare Locke, confirmed that the couple intends to provide expert testimony as well as personal documentation in their defamation lawsuit against U.S. commentator Candace Owens.
Brigitte Macron’s lawyer, Tom Clare, has described the false rumors about the French First Lady as both distressing for her personally and an unnecessary burden for President Emmanuel Macron. While he stressed that the president remains focused on his duties, Clare noted that no one, not even a head of state, is unaffected when their family comes under attack. The strain, he said, is something any parent balancing work and home life would feel.
Clare confirmed that the Macrons plan to present scientific evidence in the U.S. defamation case, though he declined to go into specifics at this stage. He explained that the evidence would include expert testimony designed to show clearly and comprehensively that the conspiracy theories are baseless. He admitted it was troubling that Brigitte Macron must go so far as to provide proof of her identity in a public courtroom, but said she is fully determined to do what is necessary to put the rumors to rest.
According to Clare, photographs of Brigitte Macron during pregnancy and raising her children will also be made available during the proceedings, where they can be assessed under established legal standards.
The case centers on repeated claims by Candace Owens, a conservative media personality with a large social media following. Owens has promoted the unfounded theory that Brigitte Macron was born male, even declaring in March 2024 that she was willing to bet her entire career on it. The Macrons contend such statements have crossed the line into defamation and are now taking action to ensure the record is corrected in court.
The case, filed in Delaware Superior Court earlier this summer, argues that Owens deliberately spread unfounded rumors that Brigitte Macron was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux. The Macrons maintain that the allegations have been deeply damaging, describing them in court documents as a campaign of “global humiliation.” Brigitte, now 72, has three children and seven grandchildren, and the couple’s legal team plans to submit images of her during past pregnancies, alongside medical and scientific material, to demonstrate the falsity of the claims.
According to coverage by The Guardian and People, the first lady has found the ordeal “deeply upsetting” and has expressed frustration at being forced to offer proof of her womanhood in a courtroom setting. Nonetheless, the Macrons argue that setting the record straight is essential, both for Brigitte’s reputation and to confront the dangers of misinformation.
Owens has responded by insisting her comments are protected under the First Amendment and has sought to have the case dismissed, claiming the Delaware court lacks jurisdiction. Under U.S. defamation law, the Macrons must meet the high bar of proving actual malice — showing that Owens knowingly promoted falsehoods or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
The lawsuit is being closely watched on both sides of the Atlantic. It is unusual for a sitting president and first lady to take such personal action in a foreign court, but the Macrons appear determined to push forward. Legal experts note that the outcome may carry broader implications for how high-profile public figures can combat viral conspiracy theories in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly online.
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