A new book by a French journalist has claimed to reveal the alleged reason behind a widely discussed 2025 incident involving French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron aboard an official plane.
Read More: Shocking moment Macron ‘is shoved in the face’ by wife Brigitte
According to the book, written by journalist Florine Tardif, tensions reportedly escalated after Brigitte Macron allegedly saw messages on the president’s mobile phone that were described as inappropriate. The publication claims the messages were exchanged with Iranian-French actress Golshifteh Farahani, leading to a heated argument between the couple during a flight.
The book further alleges that Macron had sent romantic messages to the actress, including compliments about her appearance. It also claims the two had maintained close contact for several months. However, the allegations have been strongly denied by both parties mentioned in the report.
Footage shows First Lady Brigitte Macron appearing to slap President Emmanuel Macron moments before their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam on May 25.
The incident, captured inside the presidential aircraft, has stirred speculation as the French leader begins a high-stakes diplomatic… pic.twitter.com/rIZSDgWeDM
— TRT World (@trtworld) May 26, 2025
A representative for Brigitte Macron dismissed the claims, saying the French first lady does not check her husband’s phone and rejecting the book’s account of events. Similarly, Golshifteh Farahani denied any personal relationship with the French president.
The claims have revived public discussion around an incident from May 2025, when cameras captured an awkward moment as Macron arrived in Vietnam. As the aircraft door opened, footage appeared to show a hand making contact with Macron’s face, prompting widespread speculation online.
The video quickly went viral on social media, with many users suggesting Brigitte Macron had slapped the president. At the time, Macron downplayed the moment while speaking to reporters, saying he and his wife had simply been joking and engaging in light-hearted banter before leaving the aircraft.
Read More: Slap or joke? Viral video shows french first lady striking President
Neither the French presidency nor Macron has publicly commented on the new book’s allegations. The latest claims have attracted attention across French and international media, though no independent evidence has been presented to verify the book’s assertions.
As debate continues online, the story remains centred on unverified allegations that have been denied by all key individuals involved.