A surprising moment unfolded on the airport tarmac in Hanoi, Vietnam, as French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived for their Southeast Asia tour. A short video clip is now making waves online, showing what appears to be a tense exchange between the couple as they stepped off their plane.
As the plane door opened and cameras rolled, Brigitte Macron seemed to make a sharp gesture toward her husband, which many viewers online have described as a “slap” or push. Though it’s unclear what caused the moment, Macron briefly stepped back, then quickly composed himself and waved to the waiting officials and press below.
What happened next added to the buzz. As Macron tried to walk with his wife, she seemed to ignore his attempt to link arms. The two then walked down the stairs separately but side by side, keeping a polite distance as they made their way toward the welcoming committee.
The short clip has quickly gone viral, sparking discussion and lighthearted speculation on social media. While there has been no official comment from the French President’s team, many online users are calling it a “human moment” that shows even world leaders have personal disagreements.
Though the reason behind the awkward exchange remains unknown, the couple proceeded with their official duties, maintaining their usual poise during the formal welcome.
