“Becoming Brigitte” refers to a series of questionable videos by Candace Owens, launched on January 31, which make unfounded claims against Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France. Owens, a controversial figure in American conservatism, promotes conspiracy theories linking Macron to a global satanic plot. Her approach lacks credible evidence and seeks to capitalize on sensationalism while aiming for financial gain through promotions and donations, reflecting a broader trend of misinformation in today’s digital landscape.
Unmasking “Becoming Brigitte”: The False Claims of Candace Owens
“Becoming Brigitte” is not the title of an upcoming biographical film about the French president’s wife; rather, it refers to a series of dubious videos launched by Candace Owens on January 31. These videos promise sensational “revelations” and “exclusive” interviews, but they primarily serve to propagate misleading insinuations and unsubstantiated claims against Brigitte Macron. Let’s dive into the world of this conspiracy theorist who questions the legitimacy of the First Lady of France.
Candace Owens: A Voice of Controversy
Born in 1989, Candace Owens has emerged as a prominent figure in American conservatism, drawing endorsements from the Trump camp. Like Marion Maréchal, another controversial figure, Owens has made waves in France, particularly after being featured at the ‘Convention of the Right’ in September 2019. The event showcased her as a unique voice outside traditional political frameworks, gaining traction among those disenchanted with mainstream narratives.
Owens, who initially struggled in her journalism studies, later founded ‘Red Pill Black,’ a platform aimed at promoting conservative values within the African American community. Rejecting the victim narrative often associated with leftist ideologies, she introduced the term ‘Blexit,’ advocating for a departure from the Democratic Party while rallying support for Donald Trump, who she views as a champion of Western civilization. Her rise to prominence has been propelled by platforms like Fox News and the ‘MAGA’ movement, which quickly appointed her as ‘director of urban engagement.’
In recent months, Owens has turned her attention to Brigitte Macron, assuring her 11 million social media followers that she is on the verge of unveiling “the biggest political scandal in the history of humanity.” This claim, however, is accompanied by a slew of falsehoods, including an assertion that Brigitte Macron was born male—a conspiracy theory that has gained traction since the Yellow Vests protests. This led to legal repercussions for individuals previously convicted of defamation for similar claims, highlighting the lack of credible evidence supporting such allegations.
Owens’ latest videos, spanning over 40 minutes, are filled with what she refers to as ‘oopsies’—coincidences she believes implicate Brigitte Macron in a global satanic conspiracy. With a lack of factual substantiation, she connects unrelated dots, claiming to find proof in various elements, from scenes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to literary references. This approach reflects a broader narrative of an “us versus them” mentality, positioning the Macron family as part of a shadowy elite.
Owens has a history of conspiracy theories, often dismissing established scientific principles. Her positions extend to controversial views on international conflicts and LGBTQ+ issues, where she has propagated falsehoods and inflammatory rhetoric. With her recent focus on Brigitte Macron, Owens appears to be leveraging these conspiracies not in pursuit of the truth, but to broaden her audience.
The strategy is clearly aimed at economic gain, as evidenced by the “paid promotion” featured in her videos. This includes soliciting donations and promoting financial services, despite the underlying struggles of companies she aligns with. Candace Owens’ ventures have faced challenges, including the failed launch of the ‘Freedom Phone’ and the abrupt closure of GloriFi, an ‘anti-woke’ banking initiative, just months after its inception.
In summary, Candace Owens continues to utilize her platform to perpetuate conspiracy theories and misinformation, targeting audiences both in the U.S. and abroad. The implications of her narratives not only challenge the credibility of public figures like Brigitte Macron but also reflect a larger trend of manipulation in the digital age.