Brigitte, the wife of France President Emmanuel Macron, is heading to court to prove she is biologically female.
The bizarre legal saga stems from a viral conspiracy theory that claims Brigitte Macron was born male and transitioned into womanhood. The theory, which first surfaced in 2017, alleges that she is actually her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux. Despite being debunked multiple times, the rumor has refused to die — and now, it’s landed in court.
The controversy reignited when American conservative commentator Candace Owens picked up the theory in 2024, boldly declaring that Brigitte is a man and pledging her “entire professional reputation” on it. The Macrons, fed up with the global humiliation, filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens in the United States.
According to their lawyer, Tom Clare, the Macrons are prepared to present scientific and photographic evidence — including images of Brigitte pregnant and with her children — to silence the rumors once and for all.
“It’s humiliating, but she’s 100% ready to meet that burden,” Clare told reporters. “This is about stopping the lies and restoring dignity.”
Observers say this may be the first time in modern history that a First Lady has had to legally prove her gender identity in court. The case raises serious questions about the power of misinformation, the weaponization of social media, and the cost of public life in the digital age.
* Agency Report