The Macrons accuse Owens of having spread “outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions” to her millions of followers - most notably the claim that Brigitte is a man - through both her highly influential independent podcast Candace and her social channels. Filed in Delaware, the lawsuit also alleges that Owens knowingly ignored credible evidence and platformed commentators who further amplified the claims.
Owens has doubled down, dismissing the case as ‘goofy’ on air, and calling the lawsuit an ‘obvious, desperate public relations strategy.’ But the case doesn’t just name Owens, but also her companies headquartered in Delaware - highlighting just how fast a podcast defamation claim can escalate from an individual to an entire corporation.
Why is podcasting such fertile ground for lawsuits?
As of 2025, podcasting has exploded into a $38B global industry. But unlike legacy broadcasters (those transmitting via the traditional media of radio and television), podcasters often lack editorial checks and balances, legal vetting, and compliance teams watching their output.
Combine this informality with the viral power of social media and you have a perfect storm: One stray comment, one unfounded allegation, one poorly sourced “scoop” can reach millions overnight. When reputations are on the line, lawsuits often follow.
What makes these claims so thorny is their scope. It’s not just the host who may be targeted - producers, sponsors, distributors, even the companies behind the brand may all end up drawn into litigation. In the Macron–Owens case, both the latter individual and her corporate entities face claims. That’s a powerful signal to the industry at large: Legal responsibility rarely ends at the microphone.
The hidden costs of a defamation claim
Defending defamation is notoriously difficult, not to mention expensive. In the US, public figures like the Macrons must prove “actual malice,” meaning the broadcaster knew the information was false but disseminated it regardless. That standard can produce sprawling legal battles entailing multiple years of discovery, tortuous expert testimony, and astronomical legal fees.
When it comes to podcasters specifically, the fallout can extend well beyond the courtroom:
- Financial strain: Legal defence and damages can easily run into the millions.
- Reputation damage: Audiences and sponsors may walk away long before a verdict is even reached.
- Operational disruption: Staff, cohosts, and business partners may get dragged into depositions and discovery.
- Long-term impact: Even after settlement, future work may be overshadowed by the controversy.
The precedent has already been set
The Macrons’ case against Owens isn’t happening in a vacuum. In 2022, rapper Cardi B successfully sued gossip blogger and podcaster Tasha K, winning a $4M defamation judgment.
After bankruptcy filings and years of wrangling, Tasha K is now repaying Cardi B nearly $1.2M annually over five years, and she faces ongoing restrictions on content creation.
The case showed just how costly, draining, and enduring a podcast-related lawsuit can be - never mind that, in podcasting as in music, what you say lives on forever.
Insurance as part of the podcaster’s toolkit
Podcasts thrive on bold voices and sharp commentary. But as lawsuits like the Macron–Owens case multiply, hosts and productions companies need to take risk management as seriously as they take content strategy.
That’s where specialist insurance comes in. A robust media liability policy can cover:
- defence costs when a claim is filed, regardless of its success
- damages and settlements which would otherwise bankrupt a smaller outfit
- protection for teams, ensuring producers, cohosts, and even corporate entities aren’t left exposed.
Podcasting has cemented its place in global media - and these protections have now shifted firmly from “nice to have” to essential.
CFC: Turning down the volume on risk
At CFC, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly podcast disputes can explode into costly, convoluted battles of attrition. Our specialist media policy is designed with these exact risks in mind, offering comprehensive cover for defamation and other media-related claims.
Whether your client is a seasoned media company or an independent podcaster just finding their audience, let’s talk. Because the lesson from Candace Owens, Tasha K, and countless others is clear: The mic may be cheap - but defending what comes out of it may be anything but.
