What’s this incident with French President Emanuel Macron and his wife that has got everyone talking?
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, landed in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 25, 2025, for a state visit aimed at strengthening ties with the Southeast Asian nation.
The trip was meant to focus on trade, defense, and energy partnerships. But a surprising moment caught on camera as they arrived has taken the spotlight.
What happened between the Macrons on that plane, and why is it causing such a stir?
Macron Vietnam Incident Sparks Global Buzz
As the presidential plane touched down at Noi Bai International Airport, the world expected a typical diplomatic greeting.
Instead, a video captured by the Associated Press showed something unusual. Just as Emmanuel Macron appeared at the plane’s door, ready to wave to the crowd, Brigitte Macron’s hands reached out from the side. She placed both hands on his face and pushed it away.
The French President looked startled but quickly recovered, waving to the cameras. Brigitte stayed out of sight behind the plane’s door, making it hard to see her expression.
The couple then walked down the stairs together, but Brigitte did not take Emmanuel’s offered arm, choosing to hold the railing instead.
This brief moment spread like wildfire online. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions, some calling it a “slap” or a “punch,” while others speculated about tension between the couple.
The video’s rapid spread raised questions about what really happened and why.
The Élysée Palace Responds
The French President’s office, the Élysée Palace, quickly addressed the incident. At first, they denied the video’s authenticity, but after French media confirmed it was real, they changed their stance.
An Élysée official described the moment as a “harmless squabble” and a “moment of togetherness.” They said the Macrons, married since 2007, were simply “unwinding” and “playfully teasing” before the busy trip began.
A source close to the President told French news channel BFMTV that the couple was “bickering” in a lighthearted way, trying to relax before their official duties.
Some reports suggested that pro-Russian groups online exaggerated the incident, framing it as a serious conflict to stir controversy.
The Élysée dismissed these claims, calling them conspiracy theories. Despite the explanations, the video has kept people talking, overshadowing the diplomatic goals of the visit.
Focus on Diplomacy Amid the Buzz
While the video grabbed headlines, Macron’s visit to Vietnam had serious goals. It was the first trip by a French president to the country in nearly a decade.
Macron aimed to boost France’s influence in Vietnam, a former French colony, by signing deals in defense, railways, and energy. He met with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Communist Party Secretary-General To Lam to discuss cooperation.
France also wants to position itself as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia, especially as tensions rise over U.S. tariffs and trade talks.
The incident, though brief, highlights the intense scrutiny public figures face. For the Macrons, who have dealt with rumors about their 24-year age gap and other false claims, this moment adds to their ongoing media challenges.
As they continue their tour through Indonesia and Singapore, the world watches not just their diplomacy but their personal interactions too.
