Emmanuel Macron's wife slaps him in face in public as aides claim it was 'playful'
An aide to Emmanuel Macron said the slap was a 'moment of closeness' and 'playful teasing' but video of the incident showing the French President being hit in the face by his wife
In a shocking twist, Brigitte Macron was seen delivering a slap to French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been involved with Donald Trump in the Ukraine peace process, after an apparent disagreement. This occurred right as the presidential couple was disembarking from their jet in Vietnam to kick off a tour of Southeast Asia.
Initially, the Élysée Palace dismissed reports about the footage but eventually admitted to its existence, playing it off as "playful teasing." An ally close to Macron minimized the slap as a "harmless scuffle" suggesting that exaggerated reactions were fueled by "pro-Russian circles."
A spokesperson from Macron's camp, who also had to contend with an awkward incident at the Olympics, remarked on the event: "It was a moment when the president and his wife were relaxing one last time before the start of the trip by having a laugh. It was a moment of closeness."
President Macron and First Lady Brigitte touched down in Hanoi Sunday evening, ready to start their diplomatic journey through Southeast Asia, including stops in Indonesia and Singapore, according to the Express, reports the Irish Star.
Macron is set for talks today with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and General Secretary of the Communist Party, To Lam. Prior to their arrival in Vietnam, Macron penned: "The major challenges of the century... can only be met in cooperation with our partners."
During his upcoming visit, Macron expressed his intentions, stating, "I've come here to strengthen our ties in key areas: defence, innovation, energy transition and cultural exchanges. Everywhere I go, I'll be saying one simple thing: France is a power of peace and balance.
The official visit to the UK, set to take place from July 8 to 10, will see Macron reside at Windsor Castle, according to Buckingham Palace.
It appears that Macron will arrive in London before the expected visit from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Although an invitation was extended for a rare second state visit in February, an official date has yet to be confirmed.
