Owens claims a French official warned her of a state-backed plot, tying it to Charlie Kirk’s killing — allegations authorities have not verified and France considers defamatory.
Conservative commentator Candace Owens ignited a political firestorm this week after posting on X that French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron had allegedly authorized her assassination — claims officials in France have not confirmed and which sources say the Élysée Palace views as baseless and defamatory.
Owens wrote on November 22 that a “high-ranking French government official” contacted her with “credible evidence” of a plot supposedly involving members of France’s elite GIGN tactical unit — and even an “Israeli operative.”
She tied the alleged plot to the September 10 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, claiming (without publicly shared evidence) that Kirk’s killer had trained with France’s Foreign Legion (13th Demi-Brigade).
Owens further warned that French journalist Xavier Poussard, known for amplifying the same conspiracy theories, is in “mortal danger.” She urged supporters to share her message “for protection” and called on U.S. officials to investigate.
None of the allegations have been verified by U.S. or French authorities.
BACKGROUND: GENDER CONSPIRACY THEORIES ABOUT BRIGITTE MACRON
Owens’ claims appear connected to a long-running far-right conspiracy theory — originating in France around 2021 — falsely alleging that Brigitte Macron was born male under the name Jean-Michel Trogneux.
The claim was debunked by fact-checkers, but resurfaced in 2025 following Owens’ break with The Daily Wire and her increasingly provocative commentary online.
Owens embraced the theory, citing reports from Poussard’s publication Faits & Documents — despite no evidence supporting the narrative.
LINKING THE MACRONS TO CHARLIE KIRK’S KILLING
In her latest statement, Owens connected these conspiracy theories to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, suggesting the killing was retaliation for exposing “deep state secrets” and claiming foreign coordination — assertions that investigators have not substantiated.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov echoed similar speculation, further fueling the online frenzy — again with no evidence publicly presented.
Owens’ post has accumulated over 39 million views, triggering polarized reaction across X.
ONLINE REACTIONS
Supporters framed the allegations as potential whistleblowing:
- Some pointed to a 2024 federal threat case involving Haim Braverman as evidence Owens has been targeted before.
- Others compared Owens to historical dissidents who warned of alleged plots.
Skeptics, however, dismissed the claims as delusional or attention-seeking.
- One popular account urged Owens to “seek therapy.”
- Another mocked the idea of Emmanuel Macron plotting against a U.S. podcaster.
The French government has not issued an official public response, but sources indicate leadership views Owens’ allegations as false and defamatory, potentially triggering diplomatic or legal consequences.
GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT
The controversy unfolds amid strained U.S.–France relations under President Trump and heightened tensions following:
- The assassination of Charlie Kirk
- Owens’ accusations against “global elites”
- Ongoing disputes over foreign influence, intelligence operations, and European relations
Experts warn that Owens’ claims — if unfounded — risk escalating misinformation and triggering diplomatic fallout.
Owens has not released evidence of the alleged plot but insists she has “divine protection” and demands transparency:
“Let everything be revealed,” she wrote.
