French First Lady Brigitte Macron was seen placing both hands on President Emmanuel Macron’s face in what appeared to be a playful shove as they were about to step off their plane during the opening of a diplomatic visit to Southeast Asia. The unexpected gesture, caught on video, sparked a flurry of speculation and headlines in France, though the president insisted it was all in good fun.
Footage from the scene—captured just as the aircraft door opened—quickly circulated online and in the French press.
President Macron brushed off the incident, describing it to reporters as lighthearted teasing between spouses. “We were just goofing around, joking together,” he said. “But it’s being treated like some sort of international incident.”
The presidential office echoed that sentiment, noting that the couple was sharing a private moment before beginning an intense diplomatic schedule. “It was a playful exchange between the president and his wife as they relaxed before the official start of the visit. Unfortunately, it gave conspiracy theorists something to latch onto,” said a statement from the Élysée Palace.
The clip, filmed upon their arrival in Hanoi on Sunday, shows a crew member opening the aircraft door to reveal President Macron chatting inside. Suddenly, two arms clad in red sleeves—belonging to Brigitte—reached forward, placing one hand over his mouth and nose and the other along his jawline. Macron briefly flinched and turned his head, then smiled and waved as he noticed the cameras.
Moments later, the couple appeared together at the top of the staircase. Brigitte, in a bright red jacket, stood beside her husband.
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