Brigitte Macron appears to push away husband and French President Emmanuel Macron's face upon arrival in Hanoi
CBSMAY 29
Macron Responds to Viral Video Incident
Above: France's President Emmanuel Macron (C) and his wife, Brigitte Macron (R), look on during a visit to the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi on May 27, 2025. Image copyright: Ludovic Marin/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This whole situation perfectly demonstrates how social media and hostile accounts can weaponize completely innocent moments between a married couple. The video clearly shows two people who've been together for decades having a playful moment before stepping into the public eye. Macron's office correctly identified this as ammunition for conspiracy theorists.
Narrative B
The footage reveals troubling dynamics that can't simply be dismissed as "horsing around," especially given the couple's body language afterward when Brigitte refused to take her husband's offered arm. The initial denial from Macron's office before admitting the video was authentic also raises questions about their credibility in downplaying what actually happened. The media and public are justified in asking questions.