French President Emmanuel Macron found himself at the center of unexpected headlines after his wife, Brigitte Macron, appeared to slap him during a public moment caught on camera.
The incident occurred on Sunday, May 25, as the couple disembarked from their plane in Vietnam. Video circulating online captured Brigitte seemingly striking Emmanuel across the face. Though the French president looked momentarily stunned, he quickly regained his composure and continued with the official welcome.
Initial reports from Macron’s team denied any altercation took place. However, the narrative shifted when aides later acknowledged the moment, describing it as a “harmless squabble.” One official characterized it as a “playful, lighthearted moment” shared between the couple, suggesting it was part of their way of unwinding before the start of the diplomatic visit.
Despite the explanation, the clip quickly went viral, sparking widespread commentary on social media—not just about the slap, but also the couple’s widely discussed 25-year age difference (Emmanuel is 47; Brigitte, 72). Online reactions ranged from humor to speculation, with some users joking about the dynamics of their relationship.
The Macrons’ marriage has long drawn public attention due to its unusual beginnings. The two met in 1993, when Emmanuel was a student and Brigitte was his teacher. Their relationship stirred controversy early on, prompting Emmanuel’s parents to transfer him to another school. Brigitte eventually left her teaching career and became a key figure in Emmanuel’s political rise, including during his presidential campaign.
