Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "MAGA World Dumps Candace Owens Over Macron Fantasy"

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host/Authors: Sam Stein and Will Sommer
Podcast: Bulwark Takes by The Bulwark

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and Will Sommer delve into the tumultuous situation surrounding conservative commentator Candace Owens. Owens finds herself embroiled in a high-stakes defamation lawsuit filed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron. The hosts unpack the bizarre conspiracy theories Owens propagated and explore the broader implications for both her career and international diplomatic relations.

Candace Owens' Defamation Suit Against the Macrons

Sam Stein introduces the central issue:

"Candace Owens, who is in a bit of trouble. She may or may not have caused an international diplomatic crisis. She is being sued by Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron for defamation."
[00:13]

The lawsuit stems from a series of unfounded claims Owens made about the Macrons, alleging defamation that has serious international repercussions.

Unraveling the Absurd Conspiracy Theories

Will Sommer provides a detailed breakdown of Owens' allegations:

"Candace Owens is drawing this from these sort of years-old French far-right claims, one of which was made by a spiritual medium."
[01:29]

Owens alleges that Brigitte Macron is not the woman the world knows but actually her deceased brother, Jean Michel Trogneau, who transitioned into being Brigitte Macron. This claim is rooted in discredited theories from 2021 and lacks credible evidence.

Sam Stein clarifies the falsehood:

"There is no Brigitte Macron never was born. It's in fact her brother who transitioned to being a woman."
[03:00]

The conspiracy theory doesn't end there. Owens extends her claims to suggest an incestuous relationship between Emmanuel Macron and his father, brainwashing by the CIA's MKUltra program, and connections to the Rothschild family and medieval cults known as the Frankists. This narrative echoes classic QAnon-style theories involving pedophilia cabals and anti-Semitic undertones.

Debunking the False Claims

Sam Stein emphasizes the ease of debunking Owens' allegations:

"It seems pretty easy to debunk this and you can do it by simply producing a picture of Brigitte Macron and her brother in the same place."
[05:52]

Despite presenting photographic evidence showing Brigitte and her brother together, Owens has refused to retract her claims, choosing instead to double down on her increasingly elaborate conspiracy theories.

Will Sommer adds:

"The conspiracy theory has only become more elaborate. I mean, more elaborate."
[06:07]

Details of the Defamation Lawsuit

Sam Stein asks about the specifics of the lawsuit filed last week:

"So, they brought a defamation suit last week. Tell us a little bit about what is in it..."
[07:08]

Will Sommer explains that the lawsuit is being handled by the prominent defamation firm Claire Locke, known for high-profile cases like the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker lawsuit. The 200-page document presents a comprehensive case, showcasing a sustained campaign of defamatory statements rather than isolated incidents.

"This is a heavy-duty lawsuit... it's more than 200 pages. And it just kinda knocks you over the head."
[08:22]

Legal experts interviewed by Sommer indicate that the case is robust, with substantial evidence that Owens knowingly propagated false information.

Lack of Support from the Conservative and MAGA Communities

Sam Stein highlights the isolation Owens faces within her own ideological sphere:

"Her conservative compatriots who don't like her all that much to begin with, you should know, but they're not like rallying to her side here."
[10:40]

Owens, formerly associated with The Daily Wire, was effectively ousted under unpleasant circumstances. Prominent MAGA figures, including white nationalist Nick Fuentes, have distanced themselves, calling Owens' theories out as baseless.

Will Sommer notes the broader impact:

"She's still really going for it. And I think that sort of makes... that only digs the hole deeper."
[06:54]

Impact on US-France Diplomatic Relations

Sam Stein underscores the international implications:

"This conspiracy theory is the impact that it could have on diplomatic relations with the United States."
[11:16]

The lawsuit not only targets Owens personally but also threatens to strain US-France relations, especially given the involvement of high-profile figures like former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump's Involvement

Will Sommer reveals Owens' claims regarding interactions with Trump:

"Candace comes out and said... that the White House was warning me to stop talking about it."
[11:48]

Owens alleges that Trump and his surrogates intervened, urging her to cease her defamatory rhetoric to prevent hindering peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia. However, White House spokesperson Stephen Chung has neither confirmed nor denied these claims, maintaining a neutral stance.

"Stephen Chung, the White House, one of the spokesmen there, said... we're not going to comment on Trump's private conversations."
[13:41]

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

Sam Stein inquires about the progression of the lawsuit:

"What's the next steps here? Like, how does this, when do we get a court hearing?"
[14:03]

Will Sommer responds that Owens has yet to file a response, suggesting a protracted legal battle ahead. Owens might attempt to classify her statements as opinion, a common defense in defamation cases, though experts doubt its effectiveness given the nature and consistency of her claims.

"She could do the classic defense... No one trusts me for news. I don't think that really works, though."
[14:24]

Conclusion

Sam Stein and Will Sommer conclude the episode by reflecting on the absurdity and potential repercussions of Owens' actions. They express concern over the influence such unfounded conspiracy theories can have and underscore the importance of holding public figures accountable for defamatory statements.

"Thank you for explaining this insane story on this YouTube for us. And for those who are watching, send Will regards, maybe a fruit basket now and then."
[15:16]

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Stein: "Candace Owens may have caused an international diplomatic crisis." [00:13]

• Will Sommer: "This is like truly just like the craziest stuff." [04:58]

• Sam Stein: "It is one of the dumbest conspiracy theories. I can't believe people are actually... But apparently Joe Rogan." [07:08]

• Will Sommer: "She’s still really going for it. And I think that sort of makes... that only digs the hole deeper." [06:54]

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a critical examination of Candace Owens' recent legal challenges and the implausible conspiracy theories she has propagated. By dissecting the claims and exploring the legal and diplomatic fallout, Sam Stein and Will Sommer provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of a situation that straddles the lines of free speech, defamation, and international relations.