Key facts
- Macron defamation lawsuit can proceed against Owens' companies, not Owens herself.
- Judge cited lack of jurisdiction over Owens, who lives in Tennessee.
- Case against Candace Owens LLC and Georgetom Inc continues for now.
- Macrons allege Owens promoted false claims for notoriety and profit.
A Delaware judge ruled on Tuesday that French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, can continue their defamation lawsuit against two companies associated with right-wing podcaster Candace Owens, but not against Owens herself. Superior Court Judge Sheldon Rennie stated in an order that the court did not have jurisdiction over Owens, who lives in Tennessee. However, the defamation case against Candace Owens LLC and Georgetom Inc, both registered in Delaware, can proceed for now. The Macrons sued Owens and her associated businesses in July, alleging a "campaign of global humiliation" that included false claims about Brigitte Macron's gender identity, aimed at promoting her platform and making money. Rennie deferred judgment on Owens' motion to dismiss until parties provide further briefing on how French defamation law and statutes of limitation intersect with US law.