Macron Responds to Viral “Slap” Clip From Wife Brigitte During Vietnam Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron found himself at the center of an unexpected viral moment during the first stop of his Southeast Asia tour in Vietnam. As he disembarked from his aircraft, a video captured what appeared to be his wife, Brigitte Macron, pushing or slapping his face—a moment that quickly took social media by storm.

In the clip, Macron steps into the aircraft doorway before Brigitte is seen pushing his face. Though momentarily stunned, Macron composed himself, waved to the press, and offered his arm to Brigitte, which she declined, choosing the stair railing instead.

Despite initial denial, the Élysée later downplayed the event, calling it a “moment of togetherness.” A source told CNN the couple was “playfully teasing” before beginning the official visit.

Speaking from Hanoi, Macron addressed the buzz:

“There’s a video showing me joking and teasing my wife and somehow that becomes a sort of geo-planetary catastrophe.”

He acknowledged the footage’s authenticity but dismissed the speculation as overblown, saying people were attributing “nonsense” to a light-hearted moment.