The baseless conspiracy theory targeting Brigitte Macron, claiming she was born male, has led to a defamation lawsuit against far-right podcaster Candace Owens.

Quick Take

• The Macrons have filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens in the US.
• The conspiracy theory, part of a “transvestigation” trend, claims Brigitte Macron was assigned male at birth.
• This legal battle highlights the rise of disinformation and the challenges of combating online conspiracies.
• The case could set legal precedents for holding online influencers accountable.
• Brigitte Macron plans to provide scientific evidence to refute these claims.

Conspiracy Theory Amplification and Legal Battle

In December 2021, Natacha Rey first alleged that Brigitte Macron was born male, sparking a conspiracy theory that gained traction online. Candace Owens, a prominent far-right commentator, further amplified this baseless claim through her podcast and social media platforms. As the conspiracy gained momentum, it coincided with the 2022 French presidential election, drawing significant attention. In July 2025, the Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens in a US court, seeking to refute the claims with scientific and photographic evidence.

The legal action underscores the challenges of combating disinformation and the broader societal implications of such conspiracy theories. The lawsuit’s outcome could impact how online influencers are held accountable for spreading false information, especially when it involves cross-border legal issues. The case also sheds light on the increasing use of AI-generated content and fabricated evidence to bolster conspiracy theories, complicating the efforts to debunk them.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens.

The lawsuit seeks damages from Owens for spreading allegations about the couple, including that the First Lady was born male. pic.twitter.com/4pPKjwHK0P

— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 23, 2025

Impacts on Public Discourse and Social Media

The spread of the conspiracy theory against Brigitte Macron is part of a broader trend called “trans-vestigations,” where public figures, particularly women, are falsely accused of being transgender. This phenomenon is rooted in transphobia and misogyny, exploiting public distrust of politicians and leveraging the private nature of medical information to disseminate disinformation. The case’s progression highlights the critical role social media platforms play in amplifying such narratives, raising questions about their responsibility to moderate harmful content.

In the short term, it could lead to increased scrutiny of online disinformation and a chilling effect on similar conspiracy campaigns. In the long term, it could set legal precedents for cross-border defamation and the accountability of online influencers.

Legal and Cultural Implications

The lawsuit filed by the Macrons seeks not only to protect their personal reputation but also to address the broader issue of disinformation’s impact on public discourse. The case could influence public perception of the Macrons, potentially affecting the political climate in both France and the US. Furthermore, the financial costs associated with legal proceedings and reputational damage highlight the economic implications of such disinformation campaigns.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges in combating online disinformation and the importance of holding those who spread false narratives accountable. The outcome could have significant implications for the legal and regulatory scrutiny of cross-border online defamation and the role of social media platforms in moderating harmful content.

Watch the report: Brigitte Macron vs Candace Owens: France’s First Lady To Give ‘Scientific Evidence’ To US Court | 4K

Sources:

Euronews: In-depth analysis of the conspiracy’s origins, spread, and expert commentary
The Jerusalem Post: Coverage of the Macrons’ lawsuit and legal strategy