French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte on Wednesday sued far-right activist Candace Owens in the United States for defamation over her claim that France's first lady is a man.
In their lawsuit filed in Delaware Superior Court, the Macrons claim Owens has waged a deceitful “campaign of global humiliation” and “relentless bullying” to promote her podcast and grow her “rabid” audience.
They noted that the lie was the claim that Brigitte Macron (72) was born under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is the real name of her older brother.
“Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that many people have heard these vile rumours and many of them have believed them,” the complaint says. “This is invasive, inhumane and deeply unfair.”
Emmanuel Macron's wife appears to be pushing him into… Read more
Owens did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. Macron's office declined to comment.
The 22-count lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in compensatory and punitive damages.
The lawsuit filed Wednesday is a rare example of a world leader taking legal action over libel. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump filed several libel suits, including one against the publisher of The Wall Street Journal.
To win a libel case in the US, public figures like the Macrons and Trump must prove that defendants acted with “actual malice,” meaning they knew the information they published was false or had a reckless disregard for its truth.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
