Viral Plane Incident Involving French President Explained
A new book has reignited global interest in a viral incident involving Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron. The book claims that the French First Lady slapped President Macron during an official trip after allegedly discovering private messages between him and Iranian-born actress Golshifteh Farahani.
The allegations appear in An (Almost) Perfect Couple, written by French journalist Florian Tardif. The book revisits the widely discussed moment from May 2025 when cameras captured Brigitte Macron appearing to push or slap the president as they prepared to disembark from their plane in Hanoi, Vietnam.
What Happened During the Vietnam Visit?
The incident occurred during the Macrons’ state visit to Vietnam. A short video showed Brigitte Macron pushing Emmanuel Macron in the face just before the couple exited the aircraft. The footage quickly spread across social media and fueled speculation about tension in their relationship.
At the time, the Élysée Palace dismissed the episode as a private moment between husband and wife and described it as a “moment of closeness.” President Macron also downplayed the incident, saying it was harmless and exaggerated by the media.
Book Claims Messages With Actress Sparked Argument
According to the new book, Brigitte Macron became upset after allegedly seeing messages exchanged between President Macron and Golshifteh Farahani. The author describes their connection as a “platonic relationship” and claims that Macron once told the actress, “I find you very pretty.”
The book suggests that Brigitte Macron feared the relationship could become emotionally significant, leading to an argument that later became public when the plane doors opened.
Strong Denials From Macron and Farahani
Both Brigitte Macron and Golshifteh Farahani have rejected the claims. Representatives for Brigitte Macron said she never checks her husband’s phone and had already denied the allegations directly to the author.
Farahani has also stated publicly that there was no romantic relationship and described their connection as purely platonic. No independent evidence has been released to support the book’s claims.
Author Stands By His Reporting
Florian Tardif has defended his book, saying the contents were carefully cross-checked and based on factual reporting. Despite the denials, the publication has revived worldwide interest in the Macrons’ private life and the circumstances surrounding the now-famous plane incident.
Public Reaction and Global Attention
The controversy has drawn international media coverage and intense online discussion. The Macrons, whose relationship has long attracted public attention due to their unconventional love story and 25-year age difference, continue to face scrutiny over their personal lives.
Whether the book’s claims are true or not, the story has once again placed France’s first couple in the global spotlight.
