Key Points
- A video of French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte, pushing his face at Hanoi airport has gone viral, sparking global social media debate.
- The incident occurred as the couple arrived in Vietnam for Macron’s Southeast Asia tour.
- French presidential office first dismissed the video as fake, but later confirmed its authenticity, describing the moment as a “harmless squabble.”
- The couple’s relationship has long drawn attention for its 24-year age gap and unique love story.
- Macron quickly regained composure after the incident and continued with his official engagements.
New Delhi: A brief but striking moment between French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron has set social media abuzz after a video surfaced showing Brigitte pushing Macron’s face as they exited their plane in Hanoi, Vietnam. The incident, captured by Associated Press cameras, occurred Sunday evening as Macron began his week-long Southeast Asia tour, which includes stops in Indonesia and Singapore.
As the aircraft door opened at Hanoi airport, Brigitte’s hands were seen reaching out to Macron’s face, giving what appeared to be a light push or “smack.” Macron looked momentarily surprised but quickly composed himself, waving to the assembled media and dignitaries below. Brigitte, partially obscured by the aircraft door during the exchange, soon descended the stairs with Macron, though she declined his offered arm, further fueling online speculation about the couple’s dynamic.
Elysee Palace Responds: “A Moment of Complicity”
The viral footage triggered a wave of reactions online, with users debating whether the gesture was playful, a sign of tension, or something more serious. The French presidential office, Elysee Palace, initially tried to dismiss the clip as a product of artificial intelligence, but later acknowledged its authenticity after French media and international agencies verified the footage.
A close aide to President Macron described the moment as a “harmless squabble” and “a moment of complicity,” explaining that the couple was simply unwinding before the start of a demanding diplomatic trip. Another source characterized it as “bickering” and “having a laugh,” downplaying any suggestion of serious discord.
Public Fascination with the Macrons’ Relationship
The Macrons’ relationship has long attracted public interest, largely due to their unconventional love story and notable 24-year age difference. Brigitte, a former teacher, met Emmanuel when he was her 15-year-old student at a Catholic school in northern France. Despite initial opposition from both families and a decade-long wait while Brigitte prioritized her children, the couple married in 2007 when Emmanuel was 29 and Brigitte 54.
Brigitte has spoken openly about the challenges of their age gap, but also about the strength and depth of their partnership. Macron, now France’s youngest-ever president, often credits his wife for her support and influence on his life and career.
What’s Next?
Despite the viral moment, President Macron continued his diplomatic schedule in Vietnam, with planned visits to Indonesia and Singapore. The Elysee’s swift response and the couple’s composed public appearance suggest the incident is being treated as a minor, private matter rather than a diplomatic distraction.
