A short video clip showing what appears to be French President Emmanuel Macron being shoved in the face by his wife, Brigitte, has sparked online chatter. The incident, captured on Sunday as the couple boarded a plane in Vietnam at the start of a Southeast Asian tour, shows Macron standing in the doorway when a hand, seemingly belonging to Brigitte, pushes him. He then pauses, smiles, waves, and continues on his way. The video quickly circulated on social media, prompting speculation and various interpretations.
The Élysée Palace, however, offered a swift and simple explanation. According to a statement released by an official, the seemingly aggressive push was simply a lighthearted moment between the couple. The official described it as a ‘moment of closeness’ and a shared laugh before the start of their trip. The president and his wife appeared to share a convivial moment together shortly after exiting the plane, further supporting the Élysée’s claim of lightheartedness. However, the lack of Brigitte Macron’s hand taking her husband’s arm as they exited the plane might suggest otherwise to some.
This explanation, while seemingly straightforward, hasn’t fully quelled online discussions. The video itself is brief and open to interpretation, leaving room for varied perspectives. Some viewers have interpreted the gesture as playful banter between a long-married couple, while others found it to be more forceful and potentially revealing of underlying tensions. Regardless of the truth, the video has provided ample fodder for online debate.
The incident occurred just before Macron’s visit to Vietnam, marking the first visit by a French president in nearly a decade. The trip aims to bolster France’s influence in the former French colony, and includes the signing of agreements for Airbus planes, defense, and space collaborations. The timing of the video adds another layer of intrigue to the already politically charged atmosphere surrounding the visit, albeit a minor one.
Ultimately, the true nature of the interaction remains ambiguous. The Élysée Palace’s statement suggests a simple, private moment blown out of proportion. However, the viral spread of the video and the varied interpretations it has received will undoubtedly continue to fuel conversation about the relationship between the French President and his wife.
