Macrons Take Legal Action Against Persistent Transgender Rumor

PARIS, France – Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron are fighting back against a years-long rumor that claims the First Lady is a transgender man. The unfounded claim, which originated from conspiracy theorists, gained traction internationally, prompting the couple to pursue legal action in France and the United States.

The Macrons have hired private investigator Daniel Nardello to investigate the spread of this false narrative, known as the ‘Jean-Michel Trogneux affair.’ Nardello, a former New York federal prosecutor, operates a firm employing former FBI agents and lawyers to assist high-profile legal cases. In a meeting at the prestigious Lutetia hotel in September, he discussed the complexities of combating such misinformation.

The rumor first surfaced in December 2021 when a self-proclaimed amateur journalist published a video that falsely alleged Brigitte Macron was actually her brother, Jean-Michel. Despite several rebuttals, the story has not lost its momentum, amplifying on social media platforms and reaching audiences beyond France.

In March 2024, Emmanuel Macron described the claims as “absurd” and one of his worst memories during his presidency. The situation worsened when American influencer Candace Owens began promoting the conspiracy, leveraging her large following to gain traction. Owens packaged her coverage in a series titled ‘Becoming Brigitte,’ claiming it to be the biggest political scandal in history.

Faced with the relentless spread of this incorrect narrative, the Macron couple initially sought diplomatic resolution. In December 2024, they sent a legal letter to Owens demanding the removal of her defamatory statements. When this yielded no response, they filed a defamation suit in July 2025 against her and other individuals involved.

Nardello describes the challenge of winning defamation cases in the United States, especially when public figures are involved. He aims to frame Owens as a politically motivated individual interested in profit rather than truth. His investigation has revealed connections between Owens and other controversial figures who share extremist views.

While addressing the legal repercussions, Nardello noted that Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have yet to directly sue Xavier Poussard, the primary source of Owens’ information. This inaction stems from concerns over the likelihood of success in French courts.

As the legal battle unfolds, the Macrons continue to deal with the personal and public repercussions of this persistent rumor. A trial is set for October 27 in Paris regarding charges of online harassment stemming from attacks against Brigitte Macron, further complicating the couple’s attempts to move past this scandal.