The footage of French President Emmanuel Macron being hit in the face by his wife, Brigitte Macron, has gone viral.
The incident apparently took place aboard the presidential plane just before arriving in Vietnam, where Macron was beginning a diplomatic visit of Southeast Asia.
Macron is seen speaking with Brigitte near the plane’s exit when she abruptly lunges out and appears to strike him in the mouth.
Macron appears stunned, but quickly regains his composure and waves to the waiting reporters.
As the couple disembarked, Macron offered Brigitte his arm, but she declined, instead gripping the stair railing.
The French presidential team initially rejected the video’s authenticity until subsequently confirming it, characterising the incident as “a little fun” between the couple.
“It was a moment of togetherness. No more is needed to fuel the conspiracy theorists,” a source close to the couple said.
The clip has sparked concern and debate, particularly given the long-scrutinised relationship between the couple. Brigitte, 25 years Macron’s senior, was his drama teacher when their relationship began during his teenage years.
While the French government seeks to downplay the video, critics argue that the gesture raises questions about the dynamics of the couple’s relationship.
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