US journalist Candace Owens has ignited a new wave of controversy with startling claims about Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. In a recent episode of her podcast Becoming Brigitte, Owens shared an interview with French journalist Xavier Poussard, who alleges that Brigitte Macron, born Brigitte Marie-Claude Trogneux, is not a woman but a transgender individual.
Owens, known for her provocative commentary, went a step further, declaring that she would “stake her entire professional reputation” on the assertion that Brigitte Macron is a man. According to Poussard, the French first lady was actually the transgender identity of her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, who purportedly transitioned at the age of 30.
Poussard further claims to have obtained a photo of Trogneux at the age of 18, which he insists confirms his theory. He pointed to the resemblance between Trogneux and Brigitte Macron, highlighting key facial features, as well as a shared mole and other “distinctive signs” that he believes link the two individuals. Poussard’s allegations are based on the idea that the French media, and even the Macron family, have worked to conceal the truth for years.
The explosive claims about Brigitte Macron first surfaced during Emmanuel Macron’s presidential campaign in 2020, though they have been repeatedly denied by the French president and his wife. The Macron family has filed lawsuits against journalists spreading these allegations, accusing them of defamation and invasion of privacy. Owens’ most recent podcast episode revisits these controversial accusations, and has reignited online debate.
The timing of the allegations is notable, coming shortly after another French journalist, Natacha Rey, sought political asylum in Russia after facing charges in France related to her coverage of Brigitte Macron. Rey claimed that her prosecution was politically motivated, with her lawyer accusing the French legal system of fabricating charges against her.
Despite widespread skepticism regarding the claims, Owens remains steadfast in her stance. “Any journalist or publication that is trying to dismiss this plausibility is immediately identifiable as establishment,” Owens wrote on X, vowing to continue investigating the matter.
If you bring this story in France, people would answer: “so what?”. Only American puritans are interested in other people’s sexuality. The interest for this story is more revealing of the American interests than the Macrons family secrets. In France, we believe that private life is… Well, private.