An unexpected scene was caught on camera during the arrival of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron at the airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, as part of their tour in Asia.

As the aircraft door opened, the camera captured the silhouette of Emmanuel Macron. At that moment, two hands — belonging to Brigitte Macron, who was off-camera — appeared and made contact with the French president’s face in a movement resembling a slap.

French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped by his wife during a family dispute that was caught on camera.

The incident occurred shortly after the French presidential plane landed in Vietnam.

What exactly enraged his wife remains unclear. pic.twitter.com/O8bnm4wVMC

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 26, 2025

Emmanuel Macron was visibly surprised but quickly regained his composure and proceeded to greet the people present, as required by protocol. The presidential couple descended the stairs. True to his usual habit, Macron discreetly extended his hand to his wife. However, Brigitte Macron refused to take it, holding on to the railing of the stairway instead.

Unsurprisingly, the video has since circulated widely online.

Élysée: It Was Friendly Teasing

Initially, the Élysée Palace denied the authenticity of the footage. However, after the video caused a stir, the presidential office was forced to revise its stance.

A close aide to the president described the incident as a typical spat between spouses. Later, Macron’s entourage offered another explanation, stating that it was a moment in which “the president and his wife were unwinding one last time before the trip began, playfully.”

The same source described it as a moment of companionship and attributed the negative commentary primarily to circles sympathetic to Russia.