An unexpected incident was captured on camera on Sunday evening (25.5.2025) upon the arrival of Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron at Hanoi airport in Vietnam, as part of their tour of Asia.
When the plane door opens, the camera shows the silhouette of Emmanuel Macron. At that moment, two hands, belonging to Brigitte Macron, who is not visible, appear and land on the French president's face, in a move that resembles a slap.
Emmanuel Macron is visibly surprised, but manages to find his balance and compose himself to greet those present, as protocol dictates. The presidential couple descend the stairs. The French president, as is his beloved habit, discreetly extends his hand to his wife. But Brigitte Macron refuses to take it and holds on to the railing of the folding stairs, raising questions about what happened between them.
The video, naturally, has since been circulating online.
Elise speaks of friendly teasing
Initially, the Elysee Palace denied that the images of the slap were authentic. However, a little later, and after the uproar caused by the video, it was forced to retract it.
A close aide to the president spoke of a fight common to couples. Macron's entourage then went on to add a new version, commenting that it was a moment "when the president and his wife were relaxing for the last time before the start of the trip, playing."
The same source spoke of a moment of camaraderie and attributed the negative comments mainly to circles friendly to Russia.
Source: protothema.gr
