Prosecutors in Paris demanded sentences of up to one year suspended prison and fines of up to 8,000 euros ($8,976) for ten defendants charged with online sexual harassment of the first lady.

Auzière, 41, testified in court that the unfounded claims about her mother's gender caused a "deterioration" in her health. "She has to constantly pay attention to what she wears, how she stands, because she knows her image might be distorted," Auzière said. Auzière added that Brigitte's grandchildren suffer harassment at school because of this.

Auzière testified that "it's important for her to be here to present the damage caused" to her mother, adding that she "wants to tell what her life has become from the moment these attacks began." Auzière said her mother "wasn't elected and didn't ask for this, and found herself under attack."

Claims that Brigitte Macron was born male have circulated since her husband's election to the presidency in 2017, mainly by far-right circles and conspiracy theory supporters in France and the US. The first lady filed a complaint in August 2024 that led to an investigation and arrests in December 2024 and February 2025.

Ten defendants – eight men and two women, ages 41 to 60 – will be tried in a Paris criminal court, charged with sexually harassing Brigitte Macron. Two additional defendants, residents of Corsica, are charged not only with online harassment but also with exploiting a loophole in the French tax system to change Brigitte's name to a male name as part of the effort to spread the conspiracy theory.

Parallel to the Paris trial, the Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit in the US in July against Candace Owens, a far-right podcast host known for spreading wild conspiracies and anti-Israel propaganda. Owens produced a series called "Becoming Brigitte" and, in March 2024, said she was willing to bet "all her professional credibility" that Brigitte Macron was born male.

According to the Macrons' American attorney, they plan to present photographic and "scientific" evidence in court proving the first lady is a woman.

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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.

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Kirk, 31, was shot dead on Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Mormon Tyler Robinson and charged him with premeditated murder. Despite clear evidence pointing to Robinson, conspiracy theories began circulating online within hours, alleging that the Mossad or other Israeli actors were behind the murder. According to the Anti-Defamation League, more than 72,000 posts on X (formerly Twitter) repeated the accusation "Israel killed Kirk" within just five days.

Charlie Kirk was a great man. He deserves honor - not lies. pic.twitter.com/NwEN4B2q7w

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 18, 2025

Prominent figures on the far right amplified these claims. Candace Owens alleged that Israel and pro-Israel groups pressured and even tried to blackmail Kirk before his death. Fellow media personality Tucker Carlson claimed Kirk was "horrified by what was happening in Gaza," despite Kirk's outspokenly pro-Israel views. Antisemitic influencer Jackson Hinkle went further, asserting that Kirk rejected Netanyahu's invitation to visit Israel and turned down "hush money," while accusing the prime minister of lying.

In response, Netanyahu released a video in which he cited Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels to illustrate the scale of the falsehood. "Someone concocted a malicious lie that Israel was connected to the terrible murder of Charlie Kirk. It's insane, it's false, it's outrageous," Netanyahu said. He described Kirk as "a once-in-a-century talent who defended freedom and our shared Judeo-Christian civilization."

The prime minister added that Kirk had repeatedly expressed his love for Israel and the Jewish people, including in a letter he sent him months before the killing: "One of my greatest joys as a Christian is fighting for Israel." Netanyahu suggested that the conspiracy theories might be fueled by "obsession" or even "Qatari funding." The video itself triggered another surge of online commentary around the conspiracies.

Law enforcement and Kirk's associates have presented solid evidence contradicting the claims. The indictment against Robinson is based on incriminating text messages found by his transgender partner and his own online confessions. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman published personal correspondence with Kirk to refute Owens' claims of "threats" or "blackmail." Kirk's producer, Andrew Kolvet, also dismissed the rumors, saying Kirk had a positive and friendly relationship with Ackman.

Christian evangelical leaders voiced anger at the spread of such allegations. Kirk's pastor, Rob McCoy, sharply criticized Owens: "At a time of mourning, I would expect you to act like a true friend and not spread gossip or slander."

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The lawsuit filed Wednesday stems from what the Macrons' legal team characterizes as "a relentless year-long campaign of defamation" by Owens, who has repeatedly promoted the unfounded theory that Brigitte Macron could be male, according to CNN. The legal action represents what attorneys describe as a "last resort" following unsuccessful attempts over approximately one year to persuade Owens to cease making these claims.

WATCH: Candace Owens just DOUBLED DOWN on Brigitte Macron being a man in response to getting sued.

"You were born a man and you will die a man... That's the point I'm making."

"I think you're sick. I think you're disgusting. And I am fully prepared to take on this battle on… pic.twitter.com/LXiGjuearU

— George (@BehizyTweets) July 24, 2025

 Tom Clare, representing the Macrons, explained to CNN that his clients had requested Owens halt her campaign before pursuing litigation. The complaint traces the current controversy to March, when conservative commentator Owens produced a YouTube video titled "Is France's First Lady a Man?" which revived what the lawsuit terms an "absurd conspiracy theory."

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Candace Owens in her full antisemitic glory pic.twitter.com/HFshWTYqe9

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) December 15, 2024

StopAntisemitism highlighted a troubling pattern of remarks and positions attributed to Owens. In July 2024, she dismissed verified medical experiments performed on Jewish victims during the Holocaust, referring to them as "too absurd" and suggesting they "must be propaganda." This followed her March 2024 statements alleging the existence of "secret Jewish gangs" in Hollywood and claiming they wield control over the entertainment industry. Israeli historians and Holocaust research organizations have strongly condemned these comments. The backlash has not been confined to academic circles; Owens has also faced travel restrictions in several countries, including New Zealand and Australia.

The designation follows Owens' departure from The Daily Wire, where she had been a prominent voice in conservative media. Her exit came amid mounting controversy over statements about the Jewish community, particularly following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Former associates, including Jewish conservatives Ben Shapiro and Dennis Prager, who had previously provided platforms for Owens' commentary, have publicly distanced themselves from her positions. In response to the developments, Owens has attributed the backlash to what she terms a "Zionist media empire."

Owens emerged ahead of climate activist Greta Thunberg and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker for the designation, which in 2023 was "awarded" to Representative Rashida Tlaib. Other past recipients of StopAntisemitism's annual designation include Kanye West, Anuradha Mittal, and Representative Ilhan Omar.

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Australia has rejected a visa application from US conservative commentator Candace Owens for her planned November speaking tour, with Immigration Minister Tony Burke expressing concerns about her potential to "incite discord" in the country, according to the Guardian. The decision, announced on Sunday, comes after scrutiny of Owens' past controversial statements, including comments about the Holocaust and various minority groups.

"From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [notorious Nazi doctor Josef] Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction," Burke said in a statement. "Australia's national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else."

BREAKING: The Australian government just denied Hitler fan and Holocaust denier Candace Owens a visa

LMAOOOOOOOOOO Owned pic.twitter.com/0O3HQdSf8d

— Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) October 27, 2024

 The US media personality had scheduled a five-city speaking tour across Australia, with events planned in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Ticket prices ranged from $95 for general admission to $295 for VIP meet-and-greet sessions, with exclusive private dinner options priced at $1,500.

The speaking tour's website had promoted the events as appealing to "audiences seeking alternative viewpoints and in-depth discussions on pressing political and social topics," noting that "Owens' provocative approach often sparks debate, making the event a must-see for those who enjoy candid conversations about controversial issues."

The US Anti-Defamation League has previously criticized Owens for promoting antisemitic rhetoric, while LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD has highlighted her statements regarding transgender issues. During a July broadcast, Owens questioned documented Nazi medical experiments on prisoners, describing such accounts as "completely absurd" and "bizarre propaganda."

Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson supported the visa denial, having previously described Owens as "a dangerous antisemite and a conspiracy theorist" during an interview with Sky News.

Zionist Federation of Australia Chief Executive Alon Cassuto welcomed the government's decision. "Bigotry and antisemitism are unacceptable in any form, regardless of whether they originate from the far left or right," Cassuto said. "For the sake of our nation's social cohesion, there is no place in Australia for Candace Owens."

The tour promoter, Rocksman, and Owens' management team did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Owens has not addressed the visa rejection on her social media platforms.

During Australia's COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Owens had suggested that the US military should invade Australia to "free its people suffering under a totalitarian regime," while drawing comparisons to Hitler, Stalin, and the Taliban.

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Candace Owens, a prominent conservative media personality, has ignited controversy with recent remarks about World War II and the Holocaust, prompting swift backlash online.

In a YouTube episode titled, "Literally Hitler. Why Can't We Talk About Him?", Owens appeared to downplay the atrocities of Nazi Germany while criticizing the Allies' post-war actions. She questioned the taboo surrounding Hitler discussions, stating, "We have been indoctrinated and we actually know nothing about the person other than the fact that we must fear him."

Owens suggested that education about Nazi Germany is a form of indoctrination, comparing it to "Soviet tactics of introducing really heavy concepts to kids while their brains are developing because you want to traumatize them." She further claimed this was done to ensure compliance with a narrative portraying Hitler as "the greatest evil that's ever happened on earth, even though factually and statistically it is not. Why is he the most evil?"

She then made controversial assertions about Allied actions after World War II, claiming they "ethnically cleansed 12 million Germans... in the exact same [concentration] camps that we then transferred the Germans into so that we could mass kill them." She described the Holocaust as "an ethnic cleansing [that] almost took place," while asserting that the Allies "actually did [an ethnic cleansing]."

Candace Owens has completely lost her mind. Blinded by Jew hatred, she's not resorted to defending Hitler. https://t.co/bQqeGn9qM4

— Adam Milstein (@AdamMilstein) July 10, 2024

These statements drew sharp criticism from various public figures. Adam Milstein, a philanthropist, responded on X, saying, "Candace Owens has completely lost her mind. Blinded by Jew hatred, she's now resorted to defending Hitler." International human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky went further, accusing Owens of having "gone full-blown Neo-Nazi."

Owens also cast doubt on the well-documented medical experiments conducted by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, describing them as sounding like "bizarre propaganda." She said, "The idea that they just cut a human up and then sewed them back together. Why would you do that? Even if you're the most evil person in the world, that's a tremendous waste of time and supplies."

The Combat Antisemitism Movement responded to these comments on X, stating, "It is an established fact that SS officer Josef Mengele performed deadly experiments on Jewish twins during the Holocaust. Not 80 years later, Candace Owens tries to rewrite history by denying these depraved acts ever happened. Utterly repugnant." Adam Goldman, chief editor of the NYU Review, summed up the sentiment of many critics, saying it was "Hard to go much lower than this."

It is an established fact that SS officer Josef Mengele performed deadly experiments on Jewish twins during the Holocaust.

Not 80 years later, @RealCandaceO tries to rewrite history by denying these depraved acts ever happened.

Utterly repugnant. pic.twitter.com/1RdLn35wLm

— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) July 10, 2024

In her video, Owens drew comparisons between Nazi scientists and US institutions, mentioning the CIA and Planned Parenthood. She said, "We took all of those top Nazi scientists and we brought them to America. I wonder why we did that. Maybe for a little more experimentation. Have you ever heard of the CIA? If you think experimentation is unique to the Nazis, you need to wake up. You heard of Planned Parenthood? They literally tell you to abort your children if they have special needs."

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