On May 25, 2025, during an official visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron became the center of media attention following an unexpected incident captured on video. As the presidential couple prepared to disembark from their aircraft, footage showed Brigitte Macron placing her hands on the President’s face in a manner that resembled a slap. President Macron appeared momentarily surprised but quickly regained composure, smiling and waving to onlookers.
Initially, the Élysée Palace dismissed the footage as manipulated or potentially generated by artificial intelligence. However, after the video’s authenticity was confirmed, the official stance shifted. A close associate of the President described the incident as a “simple couple’s quarrel,” emphasizing that it was a private moment between the First Lady and the President.
Further observations noted that as the couple descended the aircraft’s stairs, Brigitte Macron declined the President’s offered arm, instead choosing to hold onto the railing. This gesture, combined with the earlier incident, fueled widespread speculation and media coverage.
The French delegation proceeded with their official engagements in Vietnam, meeting with senior Vietnamese officials, including Le Khanh Hai, Tran Sy Thanh, Le Thi Thu Hang, and Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang.
While the incident has garnered significant media attention, the Élysée Palace maintains that it was a personal moment between the President and the First Lady, urging the public to respect their privacy.
