French president Macron sues US influencer over claim France's first lady was born male
French President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Macron are suing right-wing US influencer Candace Owens.
PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte filed a defamation lawsuit in the US on July 23 against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, centred on her claim that France's first lady is male.
The Macrons said in a lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court that Ms Owens has waged a lie-filled 'campaign of global humiliation' and 'relentless bullying' to promote her podcast and expand her 'frenzied' fan base.
The Macrons said the lies included that Brigitte Macron, 72, was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, the actual name of her older brother.
'Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications,' the complaint said. 'It is invasive, dehumanising, and deeply unjust.'
Ms Owens did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.
Mr Macron's office declined comment.
The 22-count complaint seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages.
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Right-wing influencer Candace Owens has been accused by the Macrons of waging a lie-filled 'campaign of global humiliation' and 'relentless bullying' to boost her podcast.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The July 23 lawsuit is a rare case of a world leader suing for defamation. US President Donald Trump has filed multiple defamation lawsuits, including against the publisher of The Wall Street Journal last week.
To prevail in US defamation cases, public figures like the Macrons and Mr Trump must show defendants engaged in 'actual malice', meaning they knew what they published was false or had reckless disregard for its truth. REUTERS
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