From POLITICO · · 4m
How a conspiracy theorist made Brigitte Macron a global story
A French woman's obsession with the First Lady's identity became a viral conspiracy theory, then a book, then a lawsuit spanning two continents.
In brief
A French woman's obsession with the First Lady's identity became a viral conspiracy theory, then a book, then a lawsuit spanning two continents. A conspiracy theory claiming France's First Lady was born male spread from fringe internet forums to a major American podcaster's audience of millions, spawning lawsuits on…
A book arrives in Nashville
Xavier Poussard, a French journalist, arrives in Nashville on January 20, 2025, with a manuscript called Becoming Brigitte promoting a false theory that France's First Lady was born male.
Meeting with Candace Owens
Poussard meets American far-right influencer Candace Owens, whose YouTube podcast reaches millions. She has already discussed the theory on her channel and wants to make it global.
A rapid publication
Three weeks later, Becoming Brigitte is self-published and presented by Owens. She releases eight videos on YouTube that exceed thirty million views. The book sells between fifty thousand and one hundred thousand copies.
The Macrons fight back
Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron file a lawsuit in Delaware in July 2025, accusing Candace Owens of spreading extravagant, defamatory lies about easily verifiable facts concerning them.
Origins in obscurity
On December 10, 2021, Amandine Roy, a self-described medium and journalist from Angers, interviews Nathalie Rey on YouTube. Rey claims Brigitte Macron is actually her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux who transitioned.
Rey's obsession begins
Nathalie Rey became interested in Brigitte Macron's life in 2018 after losing her job. A Gilets jaunes supporter, she spent years on the internet during the pandemic developing suspicions about the First Lady's biography.
Poussard amplifies the theory
Xavier Poussard, working for Faits et Documents, an extreme-right publication, writes articles about Rey's suspicions in 2021. He adds his own research and storytelling, developing the theory into a broader narrative.
The video goes viral
Amandine Roy's four-hour YouTube video reaches five hundred thousand views in days, making the hashtag number Jean-Michel-Trogneux a top ten Twitter trend. The theory becomes a viral phenomenon.
Brigitte Macron responds
Less than a week after the video goes viral, Brigitte Macron's lawyer announces plans to sue.She later tells TF1 television: Of course, it is a lie.
“Of course, it is a lie.”
The Streisand effect
The Macrons' legal action backfires. Conspiracy theorists see the lawsuit as proof they have something to hide. Xavier Poussard says Brigitte Macron does not understand the Streisand effect.
The sensitive backstory
Emmanuel Macron met Brigitte when he was a student at lycée in Amiens. She was his drama teacher, twenty-four years older and married. Their relationship began while he was still in school.
Filling the gaps
The Macrons have revealed few details about their relationship's origins. Conspiracy theorists analyze Brigitte's childhood photos, comparing her features to her brother's and using facial recognition software to claim evidence of transition.
French court rules on free speech
In January 2026, Paris criminal court convicts ten people including Amandine Roy of cyberharceling. But the appeals court later rules that Rey and Roy acted in good faith and their statements were protected speech.
Owens discovers the theory
On March 11, 2024, Candace Owens presents the theory to her podcast audience, calling it the greatest political scandal in human history.
Owens and Poussard partner up
After the Olympics, Owens receives messages from followers asking for English-language material about Brigitte Macron. She contacts Poussard. They meet in London for Christmas 2024, then in Nashville in January 2025.
The business model
Owens places approximately three advertisements in each video about Becoming Brigitte. Her podcast generates between two and ten million dollars annually from sponsors alone. Poussard says the book became an editorial success.
The Macrons' legal strategy
The Macrons accuse Owens of knowingly spreading false information to expand her audience and earn money. They must prove she acted with malice, knowing her statements were false or recklessly ignoring evidence to the contrary.
A Delaware ruling limits the case
A Delaware judge restricts the Macrons' lawsuit, ruling they can only sue Owens' companies in the state, not Owens personally in Tennessee.
New lawsuit in Tennessee
On November 4, as revealed by POLITICO, the Macrons file new defamation lawsuits against Owens in Tennessee. They remain committed to holding her personally accountable for her statements.
The theory persists despite evidence
In a Paris bookshop, two men who follow the conspiracy remain unconvinced by the Macrons' denials and court evidence.
The headline
A conspiracy theory claiming France's First Lady was born male spread from fringe internet forums to a major American podcaster's audience of millions, spawning lawsuits on two continents.