French president sues podcaster Candace Owens in Nashville. Here’s what to know

What This Story Is About

• French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit against podcaster Candace Owens in federal court in Nashville.

Why It Matters

• The Macrons allege Owens repeatedly spread false claims about Brigitte Macron’s identity and the couple’s relationship.

For Context

• The filing follows a 2025 lawsuit in Delaware. According to the new complaint, Owens was dismissed personally from that case without prejudice, while claims against two of her companies remain pending.

Catch Up

• Podcaster Candace Owens sued over claims French first lady is not a woman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron have filed a federal defamation lawsuit in Nashville against podcaster Candace Owens, accusing her of spreading false claims about the couple.

The complaint, filed November 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, alleges Owens repeatedly made false statements about Brigitte Macron’s identity and the couple’s relationship through podcasts and social media posts.

The Macrons allege Owens continued making the claims after they sued her in Delaware in 2025.

According to the complaint, Owens was dismissed from the Delaware case without prejudice on October 27, allowing the claims against her personally to be filed again. The Macrons say the Delaware case remains pending against two of her companies.

To read the lawsuit in its entirety, click here.

After the original lawsuit was filed, Owens called it “an obvious and desperate public relations strategy,” CNN previously reported.

The Macrons are seeking damages, a jury trial and an order barring Owens from republishing any statements a court determines are defamatory.