French President Emmanuel Macron has clarified the situation following a viral video that created a buzz by seemingly capturing his wife, Brigitte Macron, playfully touching his face.
The video was taken by the Associated Press at Hanoi Airport, showing the 47-year-old president near an aircraft. As the door opened, Brigitte’s movements suggested a lighthearted nudge, though some interpreted it differently.
Macron seemed momentarily surprised but quickly continued to wave at the press, moving confidently up the stairs as Brigitte chose not to take his offered arm.
The footage quickly went viral on social media and news outlets. It prompted discussions from a range of commentators—including Russian media and right-wing French figures—spinning theories about the Macrons’ relationship.
Initially, the Élysée Palace dismissed the video as potential “fake news.” President Macron later confirmed the video’s authenticity but emphasized its fun, non-serious nature.
“It’s a video of me having a moment with my wife, suddenly turned into international news, with all sorts of theories popping up,” Macron explained in a statement to News.com.au.
“We were just joking around, caught off guard in a light-hearted way—but some chose to make it a big deal. It’s ridiculous,” he added.
The Guardian shared comments from an Élysée Palace spokesperson echoing the president’s sentiments, stating it was merely “a moment of lightness” between the couple.
The spokesperson noted that this was simply a case of the Macrons enjoying a brief break before embarking on their official tasks in Southeast Asia.
Due to Brigitte’s face not being visible in the clip, many speculative theories erupted, putting a humorous moment out of proportion. “It wasn’t even a slap,” a palace insider assured.
Macron is no stranger to viral misinformation. In a separate instance, a misleading video wrongly alleged he was using cocaine during a train journey to Kyiv with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In that footage, Macron is seen picking up a tissue, which led to unfounded claims of hiding illicit substances.
French authorities were quick to disprove the rumor, revealing he merely retrieved a tissue to use. They condemned the false narrative as an attempt to discredit France.
“When European solidarity becomes problematic, fake news emerges—even a simple tissue can become part of a fabricated drug tale,” read a government statement.
“These falsehoods are shared by various foreign and local opponents. Staying vigilant against such falsehoods is crucial,” they asserted.
Thinking back on these altered videos, Macron commented, “There’s been talk of me on drugs, fighting with the Turkish president, and now a supposed domestic issue with Brigitte. It’s all untrue. Let’s all take a moment to relax.”
