In a legal showdown that has crossed continents, conservative podcaster Candace Owens is facing a 218-page defamation lawsuit from French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron. The lawsuit stems from Owens’ controversial claims that Brigitte Macron was born a man named Jean Michichel Tronu, a theory that has sparked widespread debate and a media frenzy.

The conflict ignited when Owens publicly challenged Brigitte Macron’s identity, going as far as to demand blood tests and childhood photos to prove her assertions. “You were born a man and you will die a man,” she stated in a viral video, which she used to bolster her claims. This bold confrontation has led the Macron couple to seek legal recourse in Delaware Superior Court, a move that many find unusual for a sitting president and first lady of France.

Owens’ allegations are rooted in a conspiracy theory that first gained traction in December 2021, when a four-hour YouTube video featuring a self-described clairvoyant and an independent journalist suggested that Brigitte Macron was living under a false identity. The video quickly garnered significant attention, particularly among far-right commentators and social media platforms, leading to a surge of interest in the theory.

As the lawsuit unfolded, the Macrons accused Owens of conducting a “campaign of global humiliation” and spreading “grotesque lies.” They argue that her actions have caused irreversible damage to Brigitte’s reputation. However, instead of retracting her statements, Owens doubled down, inviting the Macrons to proceed to discovery – a phase of litigation where evidence is exchanged. She expressed eagerness to expose what she views as the truth behind the allegations.

Interestingly, the Macron couple did not initially respond to Owens’ claims with legal action. It was only after her eight-part video series dissecting the origins of the conspiracy theory and their relationship that they filed the lawsuit. This delay has led Owens to speculate that the Macrons were waiting until public interest peaked before taking action, suggesting a calculated response to a growing narrative.

The lawsuit has garnered attention not only for its sensational nature but also for the implications it holds for both parties involved. Should a U.S. court rule in favor of Owens, it could undermine the Macrons’ standing and create a precedent for how defamation cases involving public figures are handled, particularly in the context of international allegations.

At the center of this controversy is the peculiar history between Brigitte Macron and Emmanuel Macron. Their relationship began when Brigitte, then a drama teacher, directed Emmanuel in school plays when he was just 15 years old. Critics, including Owens, have labeled this dynamic as “textbook grooming,” questioning the appropriateness of their relationship given the significant age difference and the power imbalance inherent in their teacher-student dynamic.

The Macrons have been relatively quiet publicly since the onset of the lawsuit, but sources indicate that they are preparing for a lengthy legal battle. Owens has signaled her readiness to subpoena various records and individuals connected to the case, which may further complicate the narrative surrounding the couple’s past.

As this legal battle unfolds, it underscores the intersection of social media, public figures, and the consequences of unverified claims in the digital age. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications not only for the Macron couple but also for the broader discourse on defamation and personal identity in the public sphere. With Owens firmly entrenched in her position and the Macrons seeking to protect their reputation, the stakes have never been higher, and the world will be watching closely as the drama continues to unfold.