Macron emphatically emphasizes her femininity: She is a woman indeed
Macrons Sue Candace Owens for Defamation in U.S. Court
In a case that highlights the challenges public figures face in countering disinformation, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit against right-wing commentator Candace Owens in Delaware Superior Court.
The lawsuit targets Owens for spreading false claims that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman named Jean-Michel Trogneux. The Macrons' legal team emphasises the importance of safeguarding individuals' reputations against baseless conspiracy theories, particularly in an era where digital platforms can amplify false claims to large audiences.
The statements made by Owens are considered false, defamatory, and have caused significant distress to the Macrons. The Macrons' legal team plans to present scientific and photographic evidence in court, including images documenting Brigitte Macron's pregnancies and her role raising her children.
The Macrons' lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Owens has argued that her statements are protected under the First Amendment as free speech. However, the Macrons' legal strategy focuses on providing clear and compelling evidence to rebut the claims and protect Brigitte Macron's public and personal identity.
The case continues to attract international attention, reflecting broader debates about the responsibilities of social media influencers and the limits of free speech. The court will now need to assess these legal questions as proceedings continue.
It is important to note that this U.S. case follows earlier legal action in France, where Brigitte Macron and her brother successfully won a defamation lawsuit against two bloggers who spread the same rumors.
Owens has filed a motion to dismiss the case, questioning the court's jurisdiction and challenging whether the Macrons can demonstrate that she acted with "actual malice." The proceedings underscore the personal toll such claims can take, particularly when they concern sensitive aspects of an individual's private life.
The case involving the Macrons vs. Owens reflects debates about the mechanisms available for addressing false information in the digital age. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the court balances the principles of free speech with the need to protect individuals from defamatory statements.
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