Video shows Emmanuel Macron being pushed in the face by wife; French President dismisses viral slap speculation

The footage sparked various interpretations online, with some suggesting it depicted a domestic altercation. However, Macron dismissed the speculation, stating that it was simply a light-hearted joke between him and his wife

PGurus Newsdesk

May 27, 2025

The footage sparked various interpretations online, with some suggesting it depicted a domestic altercation. However, Macron dismissed the speculation, stating that it was simply a light-hearted joke between him and his wife

French President clarifies “misunderstood” moment with wife Brigitte amid Russian mockery

French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed viral footage that sparked speculation about a personal dispute with his wife, Brigitte Macron, during their arrival in Vietnam. The video, widely circulated on social media and repeatedly shown on Russian state TV, appears to show Brigitte striking Macron’s face as they disembarked from their plane in Hanoi.

The footage led to various interpretations online, some suggesting a domestic altercation. Macron, however, dismissed the speculation, saying the moment was a joke between the couple.

Shocking moment Macron ‘is shoved in the face’ by wife Brigitte pic.twitter.com/bzLg3LKkFM
— 南洋辉叔 Uncle Hui (@alexcmhwee) May 26, 2025

Macron denies dispute, blames disinformation campaigns

Speaking to reporters, Macron said, “My wife and I were squabbling, we were rather joking, and I was taken by surprise.”

He noted that similar misinterpretations had previously surfaced, including claims falsely linking him to drug use.

“In these three videos, I took a tissue, shook someone’s hand, and just joked with my wife, as we do quite often. Nothing more,” Macron explained.

Macron accused Russian-linked networks and domestic extremists of exploiting the clip to spread disinformation. He urged the public to “calm down”, adding that the incident had been unnecessarily exaggerated.

Russian Foreign Ministry reacts with sarcasm

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, ridiculed the footage in a Telegram post, suggesting Macron had received a “right hook” from his wife. She speculated sarcastically about the gesture, calling it possibly a mistake or even “the hand of the Kremlin.”

The video became a trending topic overnight, especially on accounts hostile to Macron, further inflaming tensions between France and Russia.

Context of Vietnam visit

Macron’s stop in Vietnam marks the beginning of his Southeast Asia tour, aimed at positioning France as a strategic alternative to powers like the US and China. It’s the first official visit by a French president to Vietnam in nearly a decade, as France seeks to reinforce ties in its former colony.

Officials from the Elysee Palace reiterated that the viral clip was misunderstood and simply showed the President and First Lady sharing a light-hearted moment before starting their diplomatic engagements.

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