Macron Dismisses Viral Video of Wife’s Shove as “Nonsense” Amid Disinformation Wave

Elizabeth

French President Emmanuel Macron found himself at the center of an unexpected social media storm after a video showed First Lady Brigitte Macron pushing him in the face as they disembarked a plane in Hanoi, Vietnam. The clip, which quickly went viral, sparked a flurry of speculation—but Macron insists it was nothing more than a private moment blown out of proportion.

What Happened?

The incident occurred as the Macrons exited their aircraft at the start of a five-day state visit to Vietnam. In the footage, Brigitte Macron appears to place both hands on her husband’s face and give him a playful—yet firm—shove. The president initially looked surprised but quickly laughed it off, waving at the camera.

Macron’s Response: “It’s Nonsense”

At a press conference on Monday, Macron dismissed the frenzy surrounding the video, calling it exaggerated and part of a broader trend of disinformation targeting him.

“We were bickering and joking around, as we often do,” he told reporters. “But suddenly, it turns into a global catastrophe with people inventing theories. It’s nonsense.”

He linked the incident to other recent misinformation campaigns, including:

• A false claim that a tissue on a train table during his Ukraine visit was a “bag of cocaine.”
• Speculation that his extended handshake with Turkey’s President Erdogan signaled a tense confrontation.

“People believe I shared drugs, had a showdown with Erdogan, and now am fighting my wife. None of this is true,” Macron said, urging the public to focus on real issues.

Conservative Backlash in France

Despite Macron’s dismissal, the video fueled heated debates on French media, particularly among conservative commentators. Right-wing columnist Ivan Rioufol suggested the clip hinted at “domestic violence against men” and questioned the power dynamics in the Macron marriage.

“He can’t even command respect from his wife in front of cameras,” Rioufol claimed on Europe 1.

The Bigger Issue: Disinformation & Politics

Macron framed the viral moment as part of a deliberate disinformation strategy by his political opponents, both domestic and foreign. The Élysée Palace has previously called out fake news, including the “cocaine tissue” rumor, as attempts to undermine European unity.

Why This Matters

• Media Frenzy vs. Reality: The incident highlights how private moments of public figures can be distorted into controversies.
• Macron’s Image: Known for his composed demeanor, Macron’s reaction—both in the video and afterward—reinforces his frustration with sensationalism.
• Disinformation Wars: The president’s remarks underscore growing concerns about manipulated narratives in politics.

Emmanuel Macron calls viral video of his wife shoving him ‘nonsense,’ blaming disinformation. The incident sparks debate in France amid fake news concerns.