Delaware Court Dismisses Macron’s Defamation Claims Against Owens

Delaware court ruled it lacks jurisdiction over Candace Owens in Macron’s defamation suit.

On October 27, 2026, Delaware Superior Court Judge Sheldon K. Rennie dismissed defamation claims against Candace Owens personally, citing insufficient personal jurisdiction. Personal jurisdiction means the court’s legal authority over a defendant, which here was lacking because Owens resides in Tennessee and has no significant Delaware ties.

The lawsuit, initiated on July 23, 2025, by French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, accuses Owens of making false statements questioning Brigitte Macron’s gender identity and the legitimacy of their marriage. The extensive 248-page complaint includes 690 paragraphs across 22 defamation counts.

Owens’ Delaware-registered companies, Candace Owens LLC and Georgetom, Inc., remain defendants in the suit. Judge Rennie deferred ruling on their motions to dismiss, ordering additional briefing on the applicability of French defamation laws and relevant statutes of limitation affecting these entities.

In a statement shared with Examplé News, Owens called the lawsuit an attempt by a foreign leader to use "legal overreach" to impose personal financial strain outside his jurisdiction.

This ruling underscores the challenges plaintiffs face in establishing jurisdiction over defendants residing out-of-state, especially in online speech and political defamation matters. Legal experts comment that this case sets a restrictive precedent by emphasizing the necessity of substantial defendant connections to the forum state.

For complete case details, see the Delaware Superior Court opinion.

Yes, but: Claims against Owens’ Delaware companies are still active, and rulings on these issues could broaden the case’s impact across jurisdictions.

What's next: Further court hearings are scheduled to resolve motions concerning Owens’ companies under French defamation law and statutes of limitation.