French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have taken legal action against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, filing a defamation lawsuit in the US. The lawsuit, spanning over 200 pages and filed in Delaware, accuses Owens of spreading false and defamatory claims about Brigitte Macron, including the outrageous assertion that she was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux.
Owens has also alleged that the French first lady and president are blood relatives and that Emmanuel Macron is the result of a CIA human experiment or a similar government mind control program. The lawsuit marks a rare instance of a sitting world leader personally suing an online influencer for their content, following closely on the heels of former US President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal.
In the lawsuit, the Macrons’ lawyer, Thomas Clare, emphasized the importance of truth and the couple’s decision to stand up against the defamatory statements made by Owens. The legal proceedings will require the Macrons to meet a high standard of proof, demonstrating that Owens acted with actual malice in spreading false information.
Owens, a prominent conservative activist with a significant following on social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube, is married to George Farmer, the former head of the social media platform Parler. The Macrons’ lawsuit alleges that Owens intentionally spread falsehoods about Brigitte Macron’s gender to gain notoriety and financial gain, despite repeated requests for retraction.
The defamation case revolves around Owens’ series “Becoming Brigitte,” which has garnered millions of views on YouTube. The Macrons argue that Owens’ relentless attacks on their personal lives and histories have caused significant reputational harm and financial costs in correcting the public record.
The theory about Brigitte Macron’s gender originated in France in 2021 and has since been amplified by various media figures in the US. While initially hesitant to address the rumors, Brigitte Macron filed a defamation lawsuit in France in 2022 against a blogger who propagated the claims. Despite winning the initial case, the ruling was later overturned on appeal, prompting Brigitte Macron to continue challenging the decision.
Emmanuel Macron publicly denounced the spread of false information about his personal life, highlighting the dangers of fabricated scenarios and misinformation. The lawsuit also delves into the couple’s history, detailing their unconventional meeting when Macron was a teenager and Brigitte was his married teacher.
The Macrons have refuted claims linking President Macron to government mind control programs like MKUltra, asserting that he has not participated in any such activities. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages and a jury trial to address the harm caused by Owens’ defamatory statements.
Overall, the legal battle between the Macrons and Candace Owens underscores the challenges of combating misinformation and defending one’s reputation in the digital age. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely have broader implications for the accountability of online influencers and the spread of false information. The digital age has brought about a significant shift in the way we consume information, communicate with others, and conduct business. With the rise of social media platforms, online shopping, and digital marketing, it’s clear that technology has transformed our daily lives in many ways.
One of the most noticeable changes is the way we access news and information. In the past, people relied on newspapers, magazines, and television broadcasts to stay informed about current events. However, with the advent of the internet and social media, news is now instantly accessible at our fingertips. Whether it’s breaking news updates on Twitter, in-depth analysis on news websites, or live streams on Facebook, the digital age has revolutionized the way we consume news.
Another area that has been transformed by technology is communication. With the rise of smartphones, email, and messaging apps, staying in touch with friends, family, and colleagues has never been easier. Video calls and virtual meetings have become the norm, allowing people to connect with others from anywhere in the world. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have also made it easier to share moments and memories with loved ones, even if they are miles away.
In the business world, technology has had a profound impact on how companies operate. Online shopping has become increasingly popular, with consumers able to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their own homes. Digital marketing strategies, such as social media advertising and email campaigns, have allowed businesses to reach a wider audience and target specific demographics with ease. Additionally, cloud computing has made it easier for employees to collaborate on projects and access important documents from anywhere with an internet connection.
Overall, the digital age has brought about many positive changes in our lives. From the way we consume news and information to how we communicate and conduct business, technology has made our lives more convenient and connected. As we continue to embrace the digital age, it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in technology to ensure we are making the most of the opportunities it presents.
