A seemingly minor incident involving French First Lady Brigitte Macron has escalated into a global talking point, dubbed “Slapgate” by international media. The controversy began when cameras captured Brigitte appearing to shove President Emmanuel Macron’s face as they disembarked from their plane in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 25, 2025. The footage, which quickly went viral, shows the First Lady’s red-sleeved arms reaching out to push the President’s face, leaving him momentarily startled before he regained composure and greeted awaiting officials.
The Élysée Palace initially downplayed the incident, describing it as a light-hearted moment between the couple. President Macron later addressed the media, stating, “We are bickering and joking with my wife, and a video becomes a sort of geoplanetary catastrophe.”
However, the incident has sparked widespread debate about public decorum and the personal dynamics of political figures. Some commentators have criticized the casual dismissal of the event, arguing that it reflects broader issues of accountability and the scrutiny faced by public officials.
Adding to the media frenzy, former U.S. President Donald Trump offered unsolicited marital advice to President Macron, quipping, “Make sure the door remains closed,” in reference to the open plane door that allowed the incident to be filmed.
The Macrons’ relationship has long been a subject of public interest, given their 24-year age difference and the origins of their romance when Brigitte was Emmanuel’s high school teacher. This latest episode has reignited discussions about their personal life and its intersection with their public roles.
As the couple continues their diplomatic tour in Southeast Asia, the world watches closely, reflecting on the delicate balance between personal moments and public perception in the lives of global leaders.
