French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron commissioned US-based investigative firm Nardello & Co to research American political commentator Candace Owens ahead of filing a defamation lawsuit against her in Delaware. The rare move — a sitting world leader suing an online influencer — signals the seriousness with which the couple is pursuing the case.
Owens, a high-profile right-wing media figure in the US, is accused of spreading “outlandish, defamatory and far-fetched” claims in her podcast series Becoming Brigitte. The central allegation — that Brigitte Macron was born male — has been categorically denied by the Macrons.
Investigation Findings
According to details shared with the Financial Times, Nardello & Co compiled a dossier outlining:
- Owens’ links to French far-right figures, including politician Marion Maréchal, niece of Marine Le Pen.
- Her interactions on social media with Russian nationalist philosopher Alexander Dugin, with mutual reposting of content.
- Coverage of Owens’ work in Russian state-controlled media, including RT and Tsargrad TV.
No evidence was found of Owens having direct personal or business links to Russian officials or media figures.
The research also traced the origins of the false claim to a 2017 Spanish blog post, later amplified in France from 2021 onwards by far-right activist Xavier Poussard. In 2023, Poussard translated his work into English and shared it with Owens and other US conservatives. Owens interviewed Poussard on her podcast, portraying him as a truth-teller facing suppression by the Macrons.
Owens’ Network and Public Positions
Investigators documented Owens’ shift from identifying as liberal to becoming a prominent conservative voice and Trump supporter — a relationship she later distanced herself from. Her network includes:
- Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, reportedly a guest at her wedding.
- Tucker Carlson, who has hosted her online.
- The Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, frequently mentioned in her posts.
The report also highlighted her outspoken criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including personal insults.
Owens has dismissed the investigation, mocking the expense and highlighting trivial findings such as her retweeting a Russian philosopher twice among more than 12,000 tweets.
Legal Context
The Macrons’ lawyer, Tom Clare of Clare Locke, said the research aimed to understand Owens’ motives and provide context for a jury. The couple’s legal action also reflects their interest in why a US conservative commentator took up the claim.
Filed in Delaware, the lawsuit accuses Owens of spreading falsehoods, including that Brigitte Macron’s real name was Jean-Michel Trogneux. The Macrons have indicated they are prepared to travel to Delaware to testify in person.
