‘Slap-ron!’ French President Macron becomes butt of jokes after wife slapped him on the plane (Video)
A viral video of the French First Lady, Brigitte Macron, appearing to slap or push President Emmanuel Macron during their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, has sent tongues wagging across the world.
The footage, captured as the couple disembarked from their plane, quickly circulated online, leading to various interpretations of the incident.
Initially, the Élysée first suggested the video might be fake, possibly generated by AI linked to Russian sources.
Upon confirming its authenticity, they reiterated that it was a harmless moment between the President and the First Lady.
President Macron also downplayed the event, describing it as a lighthearted and playful interaction between him and his wife.
Macron referred to the gesture as a moment of “relaxation and closeness,” emphasising that it was not indicative of any discord.
The incident occurred during President Macron’s state visit to Vietnam, marking his first trip there since taking office in 2017.
The visit is part of a broader Southeast Asia diplomatic tour, including stops in Indonesia and Singapore, aimed at strengthening France’s influence in the region.
Many people are not buying the official explanation, as they pointed out that Macron was dazed by the sudden physical assault.
The clip showed the 47-year-old French President briefly touching his face before gathering himself together and waving at the crowd waiting for his arrival.
His 72-year-old wife, dressed in a red blazer, stood behind him as they prepared to disembark the aircraft.
As the couple began their descent down the stairs, they can be seen walking side by side without holding hands.
Brigitte appeared to prefer using the handrail instead.
Macron was reportedly only 15 years old when he began a relationship with Brigitte more than 30 years ago.
She was then a mother of three and his French literature teacher.
The media are making a meal of the bizarre incident.
GBNew.com captioned its report, “Emmanuel Slap-ron!
Social media is abuzz with the news as well.
An X user, Colette Harrington, wrote: “LMAO. Caption this. Macron’s momma slapped him in the face. Then he smiled for the cameras, thinking it wasn’t caught. That’s a real pro at getting whacked. If my spouse hit me, I’d be shocked and not camera-ready one second later.”
Strategic Tunes wrote: “If you’re feeling down today, just know that the president of #France just got slapped in the face in front of the entire world.”
See the viral clip here.
