French President Emmanuel Macron shrugged off controversy during his state visit to Vietnam. A video had surfaced showing his wife, Brigitte, appearing to shove him.
The footage, recorded in Hanoi as they exited their aircraft, showed Brigitte placing both hands on Macron’s face in what looked like a strong push. The president’s office initially claimed the video was AI-generated, but it was later confirmed to be real.
Speaking to reporters, Macron described the moment as a joke between him and his wife.
“My wife and I were squabbling—we were joking—and I was taken by surprise,” he said. “Now it has become a planetary catastrophe, with some even spinning conspiracy theories.”
He added that social media had blown the event out of proportion.
The president also mentioned other false rumours, such as claims of drug use with British and German leaders, and an alleged clash with the Turkish president. “Everyone needs to calm down,” Macron told the press.
Macrons Show a United Front
Despite the viral incident, Macron and his wife appeared close and unbothered. They were seen walking hand-in-hand through the streets of Hanoi. The couple smiled and waved as they boarded their plane to leave Vietnam.
The puppet president of France, Emmanuel Macron has been slapped in the face publicly by the creature masquerading as his wife. pic.twitter.com/PBQbxJSvwJ
— Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) May 26, 2025
An official from the Élysée Palace explained that the moment had been misunderstood. “It was a moment of closeness, a shared joke before the formalities of the visit,” the aide said.
Some insiders blamed the viral reaction on hostile narratives online, especially from pro-Russian accounts aiming to stir controversy.
Macron’s Vietnam Visit Focused on Diplomacy and Trade
This was the first visit by a French president to Vietnam in nearly ten years. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between both countries.
Macron signed several deals, including an agreement between VietJet and Airbus for 20 new A330-900 aircraft.
During his speech with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Macron stressed the need for a legal international order.
“At a time of imbalance and power-driven rhetoric, we must preserve a legal international order,” he said.
He also voiced France’s support for Vietnam’s move away from coal.
France Deepens Relations in Southeast Asia
France and Vietnam already share a comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam gives this top diplomatic status only to a few countries, including China, Russia, and the U.S.
Macron’s trip to Vietnam is part of a broader tour that includes Indonesia and Singapore. The tour covers key topics like renewable energy, nuclear power, defence, and supply chains for strategic minerals.
Macron also visited historic sites in Hanoi, including the Temple of Literature and a war memorial honouring Vietnamese who resisted French colonial rule.
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