Macron Dismisses Viral Video of Wife’s Push as Playful Jest Amid Russian Mockery

French President Emmanuel Macron has brushed off a viral video that appeared to show his wife, Brigitte Macron, pushing him as they disembarked from a plane in Vietnam, calling it a playful moment.

The footage, seized upon by Russian state media and French far-right accounts, sparked speculation of a marital spat, but Macron and Élysée Palace officials insisted the couple was simply “joking around” before their official visit to Hanoi began.

A Misinterpreted Moment Fuels Conspiracy Theories

The video, captured by an Associated Press camera operator, shows Macron stepping into the plane’s doorway during his arrival in Hanoi on Monday. Brigitte Macron’s hand appears to push him back, prompting him to step aside before recovering to wave at the crowd. Although her body isn’t fully visible, the clip spread rapidly online, amplified by Russian state media and far-right French accounts.

Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, mocked the incident on Telegram, sarcastically suggesting Brigitte had delivered a “right hook” or that it might be the “hand of the Kremlin.” Macron, speaking to reporters in Hanoi, clarified that the gesture was part of the couple’s usual playful banter, a sentiment echoed by Élysée officials who described it as a “moment of closeness” often misconstrued by conspiracy theorists.

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Macron Addresses Pattern of Misinformation

This isn’t the first time Macron has faced online misrepresentation. He referenced past false claims, including accusations of drug use alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a train trip to Kyiv, where a crumpled tissue was mistaken for a bag of cocaine.

Macron noted that the same accounts often linked to Russian and French extremist networks are behind these narratives, with some even suggesting his diplomacy reflects that of a “battered husband.” He urged the public to “calm down” and focus on facts, highlighting the coordinated efforts to distort his image.

Did You Know?
France and Vietnam share a complex history, with Vietnam being a French colony from the late 19th century until 1954, when it gained independence after the First Indochina War.

Strengthening Ties Through Vietnam Visit

Amid the controversy, Macron’s visit to Vietnam marked a significant diplomatic milestone, the first formal trip by a French presidential couple to the former colony in nearly a decade.

On Monday, France and Vietnam signed deals worth €9 billion (£7.55 billion), covering 20 Airbus planes, nuclear energy cooperation, defense, rail, maritime transport, satellites, and vaccines.

The agreements come at a critical time, as global trade faces disruptions from U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. Recent data shows Vietnam’s exports to the EU have grown by 12% in the past year, underscoring the importance of such partnerships in navigating economic challenges.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Scrutiny

The viral video has stirred mixed reactions online, with some users expressing skepticism about Macron’s explanation, while others see it as another example of targeted disinformation.

The incident highlights the growing challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age, particularly when amplified by state actors. As Macron continues his diplomatic engagements, the focus remains on how such narratives might influence public perception of his leadership, both at home and abroad.