What started as a bizarre internet rumor has spiraled into an international legal battle. French First Lady Brigitte Macron, long admired for her poise and intellect, now finds herself at the center of a global controversy fueled by conspiracy theories, YouTube documentaries, and a defamation lawsuit filed in the United States.
At the heart of this scandal? A shocking and false claim that she was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux. Now, Brigitte and her husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, are fighting back—taking one of America’s most controversial right-wing influencers, Candace Owens, to court.
The Jean-Michel Trogneux Rumor: How It All Began
The conspiracy theory first surfaced in France in 2021, circulating in fringe publications and social media groups. According to the rumor, Brigitte Macron is not a biological woman but was allegedly born Jean-Michel Trogneux—a name linked to her real-life maiden name, Trogneux.
Though entirely unfounded, the claim gained traction among conspiracy theorists, particularly those aligned with far-right ideologies. Initially, the Macrons avoided engaging with the gossip, fearing that addressing it would only amplify the falsehood.
From Fringe Blogs to YouTube Fame: How the Theory Went Global
What was once a niche online whisper soon escalated into a high-profile internet spectacle. The theory crossed borders and entered the American media landscape when conservative commentator Candace Owens launched a sensational YouTube series titled “Becoming Brigitte” in 2024.
The eight-part documentary, riddled with wild claims and speculation, accused Brigitte Macron of being transgender, claimed the Macrons were blood relatives, and even suggested Emmanuel Macron was created in a CIA mind-control experiment.
The videos went viral—racking up over 2.3 million views—and igniting renewed outrage in France and beyond. Owens shared the content across multiple platforms, using her massive following to amplify the narrative.
The Macrons Strike Back with a Landmark U.S. Lawsuit
On July 24, 2025, the Macrons officially filed a 218-page defamation lawsuit in Delaware. It’s an unprecedented legal move—a sitting world leader and their spouse suing an American media personality on U.S. soil. The couple accuses Owens of deliberately spreading lies for fame and profit.
According to the legal complaint, the Macrons assert that Owens “published outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions” with the intent to damage their reputations. They claim she ignored numerous requests for retraction and instead doubled down by mocking the couple publicly.
Why Delaware?
Delaware was likely chosen due to its favorable legal structure for corporations and high-profile civil cases. The Macrons are seeking punitive damages and a jury trial, signaling their commitment to confronting disinformation at its source.
Their attorney, Thomas Clare, co-founder of the defamation specialist firm Clare Locke, said:
“The principle here is truth. This lawsuit is about accountability for reckless, harmful lies.”
He added that the Macrons are even prepared to appear in person in a Delaware courtroom if necessary.
Candace Owens Responds: “I Won’t Be Silenced”
Candace Owens, known for her fiery rhetoric and large conservative following, has not backed down. Through a spokesperson, she called the lawsuit “an attack on the First Amendment by a foreign government.” She claims that instead of providing comment or clarification, the Macrons opted to “bully a journalist into silence.”
Owens’ camp insists she requested interviews with Brigitte Macron and was met with silence. Instead of engaging, the Macrons pursued legal action—what Owens’ supporters see as a political intimidation tactic.
In her own words:
“Candace Owens is not shutting up.”
She has vowed to address the matter further on her podcast, escalating the already heated debate.
A Legal Tightrope: Proving ‘Actual Malice’
Under U.S. defamation law, public figures like the Macrons must prove “actual malice.” This means they must demonstrate that Owens either knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Legal analysts say that while this is a high bar, the fact that Owens allegedly dismissed multiple legal notices and doubled down on her claims could work against her.
The Macrons argue that they have “suffered substantial reputational damage” and spent “considerable sums of money to correct the public record.” The lawsuit describes Owens’ campaign as a deliberate disinformation strategy designed to generate profit and attention.
More Than a Gossip Battle: A Case About Truth in the Digital Age
This is not just another tabloid drama—it’s a defining case about truth, identity, and digital misinformation. With deepfake technology, AI voice clones, and viral video content, public figures are more vulnerable than ever to identity-based defamation.
The Macrons’ legal action marks a turning point. It demonstrates that even the highest office holders are not immune to internet-fueled character assassination—and that legal systems may soon have to catch up with the pace of online disinformation.
Brigitte Macron: From Teacher to Target
Brigitte Macron’s journey is one of personal resilience. A former teacher, she met Emmanuel Macron when he was her student—a relationship that itself sparked controversy due to their 24-year age gap. Over the years, she has weathered criticism with dignity, serving as First Lady with a focus on education, anti-bullying initiatives, and child welfare.
Yet despite her advocacy, she has become the latest victim of targeted gender-based disinformation. The theory questioning her gender is rooted not in truth, but in misogyny and transphobia—used as a weapon to undermine her and her husband’s legitimacy.
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