Macron Couple Shows Affection at Indonesian Airport After 'Slap' Controversy

Getting Off the Private Plane Arm in Arm

French President Emmanuel Macron, who had previously faced controversy after being seen getting slapped in the face by his wife at an airport in Vietnam during his Southeast Asia tour, was seen displaying affection in a similar setting at an Indonesian airport just two days later.

On the 25th, a video was captured showing French President Emmanuel Macron being slapped by Brigitte Macron inside his private plane upon arriving in Hanoi, Vietnam. X

According to Yonhap News, President Macron and his wife arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, late in the afternoon on the 27th, and were seen disembarking from their private plane in a completely different atmosphere compared to the scene captured by the media immediately after their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, on the 25th.

In a video from BFM TV, President Macron is seen emerging alone onto the plane’s gangway as the door opens. He then turns toward the inside of the aircraft, out of view of the cameras, and extends his right arm. At that moment, his wife Brigitte naturally takes his arm, and the two descend the stairs together.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived at Jakarta Airport, Indonesia, late in the afternoon on the 27th and are seen disembarking from their private plane. Photo by AFP

Two days earlier in Hanoi, Brigitte, apparently unaware of the media presence, was caught on camera forcefully pushing President Macron’s face at the entrance to their private plane. At that time, she also refused to take his right arm as they descended the stairs.

The footage quickly spread online, sparking various controversies and speculations. Rumors circulated that the presidential couple had fought on the plane or were experiencing marital discord. Others, recalling that the two were once teacher and student, left mocking comments such as “a teacher handling her student” and “a husband who gets slapped.”

As speculation mounted, President Macron dismissed the controversy, stating, “We were just playing around,” and added, “All sorts of nonsense is being made up from a single video.” Close aides also told the French daily Le Figaro that “it was a scene showing the couple’s intimacy, but it became fodder for conspiracy theorists.” Some even claimed, “The rumor started in Russia,” arguing that it was a deliberate online operation aimed at damaging President Macron’s image.

Perhaps aware of the controversy, the Macrons were frequently seen displaying affection during their Vietnam visit. They were seen linking arms at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and during a commemorative photo with General Secretary Trong and his wife, President Macron put his arm around Brigitte’s waist. Their behavior upon arrival in Indonesia is also being interpreted as a conscious response to public opinion.