French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, will submit scientific documentation and photographs to a US court to counter false gender allegations spread by conservative influencer Candace Owens.
The French first couple plans to provide this evidence in their defamation lawsuit against Owens, who has promoted conspiracy theories claiming Brigitte Macron was born male, their attorney told the BBC.
Tom Clare, the Macrons' lawyer, told the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast that the first lady found the allegations "incredibly upsetting" and they created an unwanted "distraction" for the French president. Owens' legal team has filed a motion seeking case dismissal.
Clare confirmed that "expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature" would be presented, although he declined to specify the details. The couple remains prepared to prove "both generically and specifically" that the allegations are false.
"It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put this type of proof forward," Clare stated. "It is a process that she will have to subject herself to in a very public way. But she's willing to do it. She is firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight."
Asked whether the Macrons would provide pregnancy photos and family images, Clare confirmed such documentation exists and would be presented under proper court procedures.
Owens, formerly a Daily Wire commentator with millions of social media followers, has repeatedly promoted her view that Brigitte Macron is male. In March 2024, she declared she would stake her "entire professional reputation" on this claim.
The conspiracy theory originated in fringe online spaces years earlier, particularly through a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey. The Macrons initially won a French defamation case against Roy and Rey in 2024, but this ruling was overturned on appeal in 2025 on free expression grounds, not factual merit.
In July, the Macrons filed their US lawsuit against Owens, alleging she "disregarded all credible evidence disproving her claim in favor of platforming known conspiracy theorists and proven defamers". US defamation cases involving public figures require proving "actual malice" – demonstrating the defendant knowingly spread false information or showed reckless disregard for the truth.
In August, Emmanuel Macron explained to French magazine Paris Match why they pursued legal action: "This is about defending my honor! Because this is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-right leaders."
Owens' lawyers responded with a motion to dismiss, arguing that the case should not be tried in Delaware because it allegedly lacks a connection to her Delaware-incorporated businesses. They claim forcing her to defend in Delaware would cause "substantial financial and operational hardship".
The BBC contacted Owens' legal team for comment. She has previously said she believes her statements are true and emphasized free speech as a fundamental American right.
