Macron Responds to Viral Video During Hanoi Visit

A viral video captured French President Emmanuel Macron's wife, Brigitte, shoving or slapping his face upon their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, sparking widespread speculation about their relationship. While some observers questioned the nature of the gesture, Macron and the Elysee Palace dismissed it as harmless teasing and described it as a 'moment of decompression.' Macron criticized the media and social media for exaggerating the incident and accused some accounts of spreading disinformation. French officials said the couple were simply relaxing before the official duties of the trip. The episode overshadowed Macron's Southeast Asia tour, which focused on strengthening France's economic and strategic ties in the region. The incident highlights challenges public figures face in the age of viral videos and rapid online speculation.