French President Emmanuel Macron has launched a lawsuit to defend his wife, Brigitte, against shocking false claims.

Right-wing US influencer Candace Owens has repeatedly told her millions of followers that Brigitte, 72, was born male. She even created a podcast series called Becoming Brigitte, spreading the baseless theory. Macron says the couple filed the lawsuit in July after “suffering substantial reputational damage” and spending large sums correcting lies.

Speaking to Paris Match, Macron explained: “It is a matter of upholding the truth. It’s about defending my honour. Because this is nonsense.” He dismissed free speech arguments, adding, “It is not freedom of speech to prevent the truth from being restored.”

The conspiracy, first circulated in France in 2021, gained traction in the US through media figures like Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan. Owens has called the lawsuit “goofy” but vows to fight in court.

With no trial date set, Macron insists the case is about dignity, not politics.

Do you think world leaders should fight false rumors in court—or ignore them?