Journalist reveals backstory of 2025 incident involving Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron

In his book 'A (nearly) perfect couple', Paris Match political editor Florian Tardif discusses a widely publicized incident that occurred in May 2025. Upon the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, at the airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, cameras captured an interaction where Brigitte Macron appeared to strike or push the President's face. The footage went viral on social media, drawing global attention. According to Tardif, who states he conducted research with over 70 sources including the First Lady herself, the physical interaction was triggered by a private matter. The journalist claims that Brigitte Macron had seen a text message on the President's phone from Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani. Tardif asserts he included these details to address rumors circulating in Paris regarding the couple's relationship. The French President and his wife were on an official state tour in Asia at the time of the recorded incident.