French President Macron’s Arrival in Vietnam Overshadowed by Viral Video of Spousal Exchange

HANOI, Vietnam — French President Emmanuel Macron’s highly anticipated visit to Vietnam began with an unexpected viral moment, as a video surfaced showing his wife, Brigitte Macron, appearing to push his face away while the couple disembarked from their plane late Sunday. The brief but striking footage, captured by the Associated Press, shows President Macron at the aircraft door, with Brigitte’s arms emerging from the side to place both hands on his face and give it a shove. Macron appears momentarily startled but quickly regains his composure, waving to the assembled media before the couple descends the stairs together for the official welcome by Vietnamese officials.

The incident, which quickly spread across social media, prompted a wave of speculation and commentary, especially from critics and conspiracy theorists. Some online accounts hostile to the French leader amplified the clip, while others questioned the nature of the exchange. Notably, Brigitte Macron declined her husband’s offered arm as they walked down the steps, opting instead to grasp the handrail.

The Élysée Palace moved swiftly to downplay the episode. Initially, officials denied the authenticity of the video, but later confirmed it was genuine and characterized the moment as a private, lighthearted exchange between the couple. “It was simply a moment when the president and his wife were enjoying a final laugh together before the journey commenced,” an official said, describing it as “a moment of intimacy” and “togetherness”. President Macron himself dismissed the attention, stating, “We were bickering and, in fact, joking with my wife. Everyone needs to take it easy,” urging the public not to exaggerate the incident.

Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron, married since 2007, have frequently been in the public eye for their close relationship. Their latest appearance comes as President Macron embarks on a nearly week-long tour of Southeast Asia, with Vietnam as his first stop. The trip is the first by a French leader to Vietnam in almost a decade and aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, with a focus on trade and regional cooperation amid global trade tensions.

Despite the viral distraction, Macron’s agenda in Vietnam includes meetings to promote France as a reliable partner in the region, positioning the country as an alternative to both the United States and China. The president is also expected to discuss defense and economic cooperation before continuing his tour to Indonesia and Singapore.