Macrons’ defamation case

Delaware judge narrows Macrons’ defamation case against Candace Owens

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife may still sue Owens’ businesses, a state judge ruled, but not her personally.

By Cheyanne M. Daniels

A Delaware state judge ruled Tuesday that French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, may not sue far-right commentator Candace Owens personally for defamation — but they may continue their case against the podcaster’s businesses.

The Macrons filed a defamation lawsuit against Owens in July 2025 after the podcaster falsely claimed in multiple episodes of her podcast “Candace” that Brigitte is a transgender man who stole the title of first lady.

In their suit, the Macrons argued Owens had caused “substantial and irreparable damage” to their reputation. Owens had multiple episodes on her show, “Candace,” discussing the conspiracy.

Delaware’s Superior Court Judge Sheldon Rennie ruled that because Owens lives in Tennessee, the court has no jurisdiction over her personally. The ruling most likely protects Owens’ personal assets should a ruling come down in favor of the Macrons.

However, because her companies, Candace Owens LLC and GeorgeTom,Inc., are registered in Delaware, the Macrons may continue their suit against her businesses.

It is common for American companies to be registered in Delaware, a state that much of the business community believes has clear rules of the road and a fast-moving court system for disputes.

Owens applauded the decision on social media, saying she was “tremendously grateful” for the judge’s ruling.

“I am in the absolute best mood over this Macron dismissal,” wrote Owens. “Feels like a year and a half of my family having to deal with psychotic lies regarding pending bankruptcies, secret accounts and plans to flee the country, has finally come to end.”

In a statement to POLITICO on Wednesday, the Macrons’ legal team said they were “pleased” with the court’s decision to allow the suit to continue against Owens’ companies.

“As for Mrs. Owens personally, we are keeping all options open to ensure that, in addition to the liability she still faces through her companies, she is held accountable personally,” they added.

There is a chance the case is restricted further.

Rennie’s order also found that because the Macrons live in France and “the primary effect of any alleged reputational damage is overwhelmingly concentrated within France,” France’s statute of limitations for filing the defamation suit should apply, and not Delaware’s.

Rennie wrote that French law generally has a three-month period following publication of allegedly defamatory comments, but “French statutory law apparently expands this limitations period to one year when the defamation is directed at an individual or group on account of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”

He ordered that both Owens and the Macrons brief the court on if the one-year timeline or three-month limit should apply.