During his state visit to Vietnam, President Emmanuel Macron addressed a video showing his wife, Brigitte, playfully pushing him, calling it a misrepresentation fueled by disinformation circles. He reassured the public that it stemmed from a lighthearted moment, not a serious incident, while criticizing the rampant misinformation around their personal lives.
Macron Dismisses Viral Video of Wife's Playful Push as Absurd Misinformation

Macron Dismisses Viral Video of Wife's Playful Push as Absurd Misinformation
French President Emmanuel Macron responds to viral video of a brief exchange with his wife, emphasizing the need to combat baseless theories being spread online.
In an unexpected turn of events during his state visit to Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron found himself at the center of a viral controversy stemming from a video that appeared to show his wife, Brigitte, playfully pushing him in the face as they exited their plane. The footage quickly spread across social media, prompting speculation and wild theories regarding the couple's relationship dynamics.
Upon addressing the media on Monday, Macron described the moment as nothing more than a lighthearted exchange, stating, "We often bicker and joke around." He expressed disbelief that such a trivial incident could be misconstrued into something much more serious, labeling the reactions as “nonsense.” He firmly stated that while the video was authentic, the narrative being spun around it was far removed from reality.
This incident forms part of a broader trend of disinformation that Macron claims has targeted him frequently in recent weeks. Just two weeks prior, he faced rumors after images surfaced from a train trip with leaders from Germany and the United Kingdom, which included unfounded accusations of drug use circulating due to a simple tissue on the table. The Élysée Palace had to step in at the time to refute such claims, emphasizing that they were orchestrated by those who wished to politicize trivial occurrences.
In another example, Macron pointed to a misunderstanding surrounding his handshake with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which had been sensationalized online. He urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and focus on significant global matters instead.
Meanwhile, the video of the playful moment ignited discussions across political talk shows in France, with some commentators inferring deeper issues in Macron's marriage. Appearing on Europe 1, right-wing columnist Ivan Rioufol suggested the clip signaled that there might be an imbalance in the Macron family's relationship.
As the viral video and its ensuing discourse continue to dominate certain media narratives, Macron remains steadfast in his call for rationality and focus on the important issues facing France and the world today.