American political commentator Candace Owens has launched a fresh verbal attack on France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, following a significant legal ruling in Paris. This comes as Owens herself faces an ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife.
French Court Convicts Ten in First Lady Cyberbullying Case
A Paris criminal court delivered a landmark verdict on January 7, 2026, convicting 10 individuals for cyberbullying Brigitte Macron. The case, as reported by The New York Times, centered on the online spread of false claims regarding the First Lady's gender. The court's decision sent shockwaves through political and media circles, highlighting France's stringent laws against online harassment.
Owens Dismisses Verdict, Escalates Rhetoric
Unfazed by the court's action, Candace Owens took to social media platform X to downplay its significance. She argued that the conviction merely reflected the nature of French cyberbullying statutes and did not validate the identity of Brigitte Macron. Owens then intensified her criticism, repeating the widely debunked claims that were the subject of the French case.
In her posts, she framed the separate defamation lawsuit against her as a fundamental battle for free speech. "This is the entire purpose of the lawsuit against me," Owens wrote, cautioning her followers about what she perceives as growing global restrictions on expression. Her comments included a pointed remark about Brigitte Macron's appearance, stating, "Brigitte puts on a fake wig, lipstick and declares war on..."
Broader Implications for Free Speech and Online Harassment
This incident underscores the escalating transatlantic clash between controversial online speech and legal accountability. The French court's ruling demonstrates a firm stance against coordinated online harassment campaigns targeting public figures. Meanwhile, Owens's defiant response positions her legal struggle with the Macrons as a symbolic fight against censorship, a narrative that resonates with her substantial following.
The outcome of Owens's defamation lawsuit, alongside the enforcement of the French cyberbullying verdict, is being closely watched. These cases are set to shape ongoing debates about the limits of free speech, the reach of national laws over international online commentary, and the protection of individuals from targeted disinformation.
