A Delaware state judge ruled that conservative podcaster Candace Owens cannot be held personally liable in a defamation lawsuit brought by French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. Judge Sheldon K. Rennie of the Delaware Superior Court dismissed all claims against Ms. Owens, who resides in Tennessee, finding the court lacked jurisdiction over her.
Her two companies, Candace Owens L. L. C. and George Tom Inc., remain parties to the suit.
The Macrons sued in July 2025 after Ms. Owens falsely claimed Brigitte Macron is a man, alleging substantial reputational damage. The ruling highlights a jurisdictional conflict, as Judge Rennie indicated French statute of limitations may apply, potentially barring the suit if the three-month deadline is enforced. Ms. Owens celebrated the decision on X, calling herself "tremendously grateful." Her legal team at Clare Locke vowed to pursue other avenues to hold her personally accountable. Separately, Ms. Owens faces two pending defamation suits in Tennessee and Utah regarding commentary on Charlie Kirk's death.
If the judge adopts the three-month limitation, the entire case could be dismissed.
Source: New York Times Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing