Facing persistent gender-based conspiracy theories, Brigitte Macron has made the difficult choice to undergo very public proof to counter highly personal defamation claims. These rumours, sparked by influencer Candace Owens, allege she was born male and pose that she is actually her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. www.ndtv.com+2euronews+2
Lawyer Tom Clare has confirmed that evidence will include both scientific data and photographs, such as images of Brigitte during pregnancies and raising her children, underscoring the deeply personal nature of this legal battle. www.ndtv.com+2People.com+2 Brigitte has called the claims “incredibly upsetting,” saying they are a distraction for the President and a violation of personal dignity. www.ndtv.com+1
Though France’s First Lady previously won a libel case over similar rumours in 2024, that verdict was overturned in 2025 — not because the claims were validated, but because the appeals court found the reporters acted in good faith. Now, international attention has sharpened the spotlight on misinformation, online harassment, and what accountability means in the digital age. EL PAÍS English+1
Through this lawsuit, the Macrons aim to do more than refute false claims—they seek to protect personal dignity, set precedents for online defamation, and push back against the spread of falsehoods targeting public figures. euronews+2euronews+2
