A viral video showing French President Emmanuel Macron being seemingly slapped or pushed by his wife, Brigitte Macron, as the couple disembarked from their plane in Hanoi has set off a storm of speculation and humor across social media and global news outlets.
The footage, captured by a bystander and quickly shared across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, shows Brigitte appearing to deliver a light slap or shove to her husband moments after they stepped onto the tarmac. The video, dubbed “Slap-ron” by amused internet users, has since sparked a wave of memes and late-night comedy monologues poking fun at the French president.
Initially, the Élysée Palace questioned the authenticity of the clip, hinting that it may have been a deepfake possibly tied to Russian disinformation campaigns. However, after a technical review, the presidential office confirmed the video was genuine and clarified that the incident was taken out of context.
“It was a harmless and affectionate gesture,” an Élysée spokesperson stated. “The President and Madame Macron share a close and playful relationship. There was no conflict or discomfort.”
President Macron himself addressed the media in Hanoi, calling the moment “a sign of our relaxation and closeness.” With a smile, he joked, “If that’s the worst scandal we have this week, I’ll take it.”
Despite the official reassurances, the footage continues to stir debate online, with some praising Brigitte Macron’s spontaneity and others questioning the appropriateness of the interaction. Still, most appear to be taking the moment in stride, chalking it up to the idiosyncrasies of public life—and marriage.
For now, “Slap-ron” joins the ranks of viral political moments, offering a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics of one of Europe’s most scrutinized power couples.
