A viral video shows Brigitte Macron appearing to shove Emmanuel Macron in the face after landing in Vietnam on May 26.
The moment sparked global reactions. Some called it a "Macron shove," while others asked: “Was it a joke or a serious clash?”
President Macron quickly dismissed the buzz, saying, “We were simply joking—people need to calm down.”
Brigitte Macron, the French President’s wife, has long drawn attention for their unique love story. She is 24 years older than Emmanuel.
The couple met at La Providence, a Catholic school in France, when Brigitte was 39 and Macron was just 15.
Brigitte was married with three kids when she met her future husband. Macron’s parents initially believed he was dating her daughter.
The couple kept in touch after Macron left the school. They eventually married in 2007—he was 29, she was 54.
Now the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron is often praised for her poise and role as President Macron’s “anchor.”
In interviews, Macron's wife has said they’re “just like any couple” who argue and support each other through thick and thin.
Relationship experts say we shouldn't jump to conclusions about the viral video. "We don’t know the full story," says one therapist.
Despite the incident, President Macron continued the Southeast Asia tour, waving to cameras after the awkward moment.
Brigitte Macron remains a powerful presence in French public life—and the bond with Emmanuel Macron is clearly still strong.