A physical interaction between French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron went viral over the weekend after footage showed what appeared to be a tense exchange as the couple landed in Vietnam at the start of an official Southeast Asia visit.
The video, captured by an Associated Press journalist, shows the President standing near the door of the aircraft, speaking to his wife, who remained inside the cabin just out of view. As security opened the door, Brigitte Macron’s arm quickly reached out and shoved Macron's face to the side.
Macron appeared briefly caught off guard before collecting himself, smiling for the camera, and waving.
After getting off the plane, Macron reached out his arm, seemingly offering support as they walked down the aircraft stairs toward the red carpet. The First Lady declined to take his arm and instead held the railing while descending the steps.
The video has circulated widely online. Some social media users described the push as a “slap” or “smack,” but no audio or full context is available to support those descriptions.
The Elysee Palace initially questioned the video’s authenticity. Once verified, officials close to Macron downplayed the interaction. One member of Macron’s team described it as "a couple's harmless squabble." Another said it was simply a moment for the pair to “decompress” before beginning their diplomatic schedule.
"It's a moment of togetherness. No more was needed to feed the mills of the conspiracy theorists," a source told French news agency AFP.
President Macron, when asked about the incident during a press briefing in Hanoi, responded, “We were just joking, as we often do.”
The French leader is on a multi-nation tour of Southeast Asia. Following Vietnam, his itinerary includes state visits to Indonesia and Singapore later this week
The video, captured by an Associated Press journalist, shows the President standing near the door of the aircraft, speaking to his wife, who remained inside the cabin just out of view. As security opened the door, Brigitte Macron’s arm quickly reached out and shoved Macron's face to the side.
Macron appeared briefly caught off guard before collecting himself, smiling for the camera, and waving.
After getting off the plane, Macron reached out his arm, seemingly offering support as they walked down the aircraft stairs toward the red carpet. The First Lady declined to take his arm and instead held the railing while descending the steps.
The video has circulated widely online. Some social media users described the push as a “slap” or “smack,” but no audio or full context is available to support those descriptions.
The Elysee Palace initially questioned the video’s authenticity. Once verified, officials close to Macron downplayed the interaction. One member of Macron’s team described it as "a couple's harmless squabble." Another said it was simply a moment for the pair to “decompress” before beginning their diplomatic schedule.
"It's a moment of togetherness. No more was needed to feed the mills of the conspiracy theorists," a source told French news agency AFP.
President Macron, when asked about the incident during a press briefing in Hanoi, responded, “We were just joking, as we often do.”
The French leader is on a multi-nation tour of Southeast Asia. Following Vietnam, his itinerary includes state visits to Indonesia and Singapore later this week
