A video capturing French President Emmanuel Macron being struck in the face by his wife, Brigitte Macron, has circulated widely online, drawing significant public attention.
The incident reportedly took place aboard the presidential aircraft shortly before landing in Vietnam, where President Macron was beginning a diplomatic visit across Southeast Asia.
In the video, Macron is seen conversing with Brigitte near the plane’s exit when she suddenly raises her hand and appears to strike him near the mouth.
Though momentarily taken aback, the president quickly recovers and waves to awaiting media personnel.
As the couple exited the aircraft, Macron offered his arm, which Brigitte declined, choosing instead to hold the handrail.
Initially, the presidential team denied the video’s authenticity.
However, they later confirmed it, describing the moment as a light-hearted exchange.
“It was a moment of togetherness,” a source close to the couple stated. “No more is needed to fuel the conspiracy theorists.”
The video has ignited conversation online, partly due to the public’s long-standing interest in the couple’s relationship.
Brigitte Macron, who is 25 years older than her husband, was his drama teacher during his teenage years — a detail often revisited in media coverage.
While the French government has sought to downplay the incident, some commentators suggest it raises questions about the interpersonal dynamics between the president and the first lady.