French President Emmanuel Macron became the focus of online discussions after a video showing his wife, Brigitte, seemingly pushing his face went viral. The incident took place as they arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 25, 2025. Associated Press cameras recorded the moment as the presidential aircraft door opened, capturing Brigitte’s hands reaching out to push Macron’s face.
The footage shows Macron in a suit at the aircraft doorway, with Brigitte’s arms appearing from the side, placing her hands on his face and giving a noticeable push. One hand covers his mouth and part of his nose, while the other presses against his jaw. Macron steps back, appearing briefly startled before regaining his composure and waving to the media on the tarmac.
Brigitte was not visible during the interaction as she remained behind the aircraft’s fuselage. As they descended the aircraft stairs for the welcome ceremony with Vietnamese officials, Macron offered his arm to Brigitte, which she declined, opting instead to hold onto the handrail as they walked down the steps together.
The video circulated rapidly on social media, especially among accounts critical of Macron. Initial speculation suggested it was an argument between the couple. The Élysée Palace initially denied that the footage was real but later confirmed its authenticity while minimizing its importance.
While in Hanoi on May 26, 2025, Macron addressed the viral video, saying, “We are bickering and joking with my wife and a video becomes a sort of geo-planetary catastrophe,” describing the interaction as playful rather than serious. He highlighted that the couple was engaging in lighthearted teasing before their official activities.
French presidential officials acted swiftly to manage the narrative surrounding the event. An Élysée Palace spokesperson described the moment as one of relaxation for Macron and Brigitte before their diplomatic tour. The spokesperson suggested the interaction showed closeness rather than conflict.
Officials noted that such incidents provide material for conspiracy theorists and those spreading misinformation about Macron. They specifically blamed pro-Russian social media accounts for amplifying negative interpretations, linking it to broader online attacks against Macron’s administration.
This incident occurred during a sensitive period for Macron, who has faced numerous online disinformation campaigns. Earlier in the year, he had to address false claims about a video showing him on a train in Ukraine, where Russian-linked accounts incorrectly suggested he was hiding cocaine, which his office clarified was a tissue.
The Vietnam incident coincided with Macron’s diplomatic mission to Southeast Asia, where he aims to position France as a reliable partner to the United States and China. His six-day tour included stops in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, with a focus on defense, energy, and cultural ties.
Macron’s relationship with Brigitte has previously garnered attention due to their unconventional courtship. They met when Macron was a 15-year-old student at a Catholic school in France, where Brigitte was his drama teacher. Their relationship developed despite a 24-year age gap, with Brigitte eventually divorcing her first husband and marrying Macron in 2007.
The couple’s marriage has faced various controversies and conspiracy theories. Macron has had to deny false rumors about his wife’s gender identity, describing them as misogynistic attacks on women in public life. He has consistently defended their relationship against critics of their early acquaintance.
The viral nature of the airport incident highlights how personal moments involving world leaders can quickly become international topics in today’s digital media landscape. Despite Macron’s attempts to portray the interaction as harmless teasing, the footage continues to prompt discussions about the dynamics of political marriages and the challenges of maintaining privacy in public office.
