French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the slap he appeared to receive from his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Vietnam. He assured the public there is no violence in their relationship and clarified that the gesture seen around the world was both real and playful.
“There’s peace and harmony between Brigitte and me. The video going viral online was misinterpreted,” Macron said while speaking in the corridors of Hanoi. “We were joking. I was simply teasing my wife, as we often do—nothing more, nothing less.”
To recap, on May 25, as the French President arrived in Vietnam, he was the first to step off the plane, as is customary. But instead of the usual diplomatic footage, cameras caught a more intriguing moment. From behind Macron’s back, a hand in a bright magenta sleeve suddenly reached out and made a movement that many interpreted as a light slap.
Macron’s surprised expression suggested he wasn’t expecting it, but he quickly regained his composure and flashed his signature smile to the press. Moments later, Brigitte Macron appeared on the aircraft steps. They descended together—formally, without smiles or touching.
While President Macron insists it was just a harmless joke, the footage certainly speaks louder than words.
Well, as the saying goes, every couple has their own version of romance. And all we can do is admire the President’s composure—and Brigitte’s stunning magenta sleeve.
