FT: Lawsuit against journalist Owens won’t save Macron’s reputation

American commentator and podcaster Candace Owens has publicly responded to the defamation lawsuit filed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, claiming that the legal action only confirms the credibility of her allegations.

In remarks cited by the Financial Times, Owens argued that Macron would not be able to prove in court that her statements about the First Lady constitute defamation. She suggested that presidents do not threaten foreign journalists unless they are deeply concerned about what could be revealed, Caliber.Az reports. 

According to the publication, the Élysée Palace may be using the lawsuit to project strength to both international leaders and domestic political audiences.

The suit alleges that Owens' claims have damaged Macron's reputation and weakened public trust. However, journalists note that such legal measures rarely succeed in halting the spread of rumors and often produce the opposite effect by drawing more attention to them.

Owens had previously published a video and social media posts promoting a conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux. Despite widespread condemnation and fact-checks disproving the claim, she has continued to defend her position in public statements following the lawsuit.

By Sabina Mammadli