Macron Dismisses Viral Video of Apparent Shove by Wife as Disinformation Campaign
French President Emmanuel Macron found himself at the center of a viral video controversy after footage emerged appearing to show his wife, Brigitte Macron, shoving him in the face as they disembarked a plane in Hanoi, Vietnam. The incident, captured by the Associated Press, quickly spread across social media, prompting speculation and interpretations. Macron, however, downplayed the incident, attributing it to a playful moment with his wife and dismissing the ensuing online frenzy as a targeted disinformation campaign. The Élysée Palace, initially suggesting the video might be AI-generated, later confirmed its authenticity, describing the interaction as a "moment of closeness" between the presidential couple.
The video shows Macron standing in the plane doorway, seemingly engaged in conversation, when a pair of red-sleeved arms pushes him in the face. Macron appears startled, steps back, and then turns to wave at cameras. Brigitte Macron, wearing a red jacket, follows him out of the plane, and they descend the steps together. The video sparked a range of reactions online, with some interpreting the shove as a sign of marital discord, while others saw it as a lighthearted exchange.
Macron addressed the incident directly, labeling it a "squabble" and "joke" with his wife, expressing surprise at the global attention it garnered. He dismissed the various theories circulating online as "nonsense" and linked the incident to a broader disinformation campaign aimed at undermining his leadership. This incident follows two other viral videos involving Macron in recent weeks: one where a tissue on a table was misidentified as cocaine and another showing a prolonged handshake with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Macron dismissed all these incidents as harmless and emphasized the need to remain vigilant against online manipulation.
The Macrons’ marriage has been a frequent topic of discussion due to the significant age difference between them. Macron, 45, met Brigitte, 69, when he was a student in her high school drama class. Their relationship, which began when Macron was 15 and Brigitte was a married mother of three, has faced public scrutiny over the years. Despite the criticisms, the Macrons have maintained a strong public image as a devoted couple. This history added another layer to the public’s interpretation of the video incident, fueling existing narratives and speculation about their relationship.
Macron and disinformation experts, including Clemson University’s Darren Linvill, believe Russia is behind the amplification of these videos, seeking to portray Macron as weak and undermine his leadership on the global stage. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova even commented on the video, sarcastically suggesting the "hand of the Kremlin" might be involved. Nina Khrushcheva, a professor of international affairs, highlighted that the video resonated in Russia because it contrasts with Macron’s image of strength, particularly in his stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The video feeds into a narrative that seeks to portray Macron as less formidable than he projects himself to be.
Linvill emphasizes that Russia frequently targets Western leaders with disinformation campaigns, particularly those who play a prominent role in NATO, like Macron. These campaigns aim to chip away at their credibility and distract them from critical issues. Linvill warns that such attacks are likely to continue and intensify, as Russia and other adversaries of the West seek to disrupt the existing global order. The incidents highlight the increasing role of disinformation and online manipulation in international politics and the challenges leaders face in navigating this complex landscape. The situation also underscores the need for critical media literacy and the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth.