Macron to Present Evidence in US Court to Counter Defamation Claims

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are set to present “photographic and scientific proof” in a US court to affirm Brigitte’s gender. This legal action comes as part of a defamation case against right-wing commentator Candace Owens, who has made assertions that Brigitte was born male.

According to a report by the BBC, the Macrons have decided to take this step after Owens’ claims sparked significant public discussion. The couple’s attorney, Tom Clare, emphasized the emotional toll of these allegations, stating that Brigitte found the situation “incredibly upsetting” and noted it has become a distraction for the French President. Clare remarked, “It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself to put this type of proof forward.”

In court, the Macrons will provide evidence, including expert scientific testimony, to challenge the claims made by Owens. While Clare did not specify the exact nature of this evidence, he indicated that they are ready to demonstrate, “both generically and specifically,” that the allegations are unfounded.

The couple plans to include photographs depicting Brigitte during her pregnancy and raising their children, which Clare believes will reinforce their case. He added that the impact of these claims on President Macron has been considerable, stating, “When your family is under attack, it wears on you.”

The controversy surrounding Brigitte’s gender began in 2021 after a YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey spread similar allegations. In 2024, the Macrons successfully won a defamation lawsuit against these bloggers in France, but the ruling was overturned in 2025 on the grounds of freedom of expression.

In July 2023, the Macrons initiated legal proceedings against Owens, asserting that she had consistently ignored requests to retract her false statements. The allegations were disseminated through an eight-part YouTube series and podcast titled “Becoming Brigitte,” which has drawn significant attention.

As the case unfolds, it highlights the intersection of public life, personal privacy, and the responsibilities of public figures to defend their integrity against baseless claims. The outcome may set a precedent in how similar defamation cases are handled in the future.