French President Emmanuel Macron, 47, and his wife Brigitte Macron, 72, are once again part of morning gossip. This time, it was for something that the media has dubbed “Slapgate.” However, the pair does not need any specific incident to remain in the news. They share a unique relationship.
The couple’s 25-year age gap has always been a subject of fascination and criticism. More so after Macron rose to prominence, their unconventional love story began when Emmanuel was just 15. Brigitte was 39, and she was his high school drama teacher.
Their early romance was obviously marked by complexity. The current First Lady of France, was married at the time and was a mother to three children. One of these kids even attended school with Emmanuel. There was immense pressure from Macron’s parents to end the relationship. They even sent him away to Paris, but the connection between the two was still not broken.
Emmanuel’s parents had asked her to keep her distance from their son until he turned 18. Brigitte, however, had a blunt response. According to reports, she told them, “I cannot promise you anything.”
Years later, after her divorce, the pair married in 2007. This move silenced some critics. However, public curiosity about the personal dynamic related to their relationship could never go away.
That curiosity reignited with what has now been dubbed “Slapgate.” The French couple is visiting Vietnam. A clip has gone viral from the trip. While waiting to deboard at Hanoi, as the doors to the aircraft opened, one could see Brigitte Macron lightly slapping her husband’s face.
The short clip captured shows a hand that is widely believed to be Brigitte’s, making brief contact with Macron’s face. She then appears moments later, smiling as they walk together.
Any married person knows that this isn’t a slap, it’s a “get out my face and stop being a mong” push from a loving partner #slapgate pic.twitter.com/Krv2ei7aRR
— Fella B 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇦 (@B4PJS) May 26, 2025
The video sent social media into a frenzy. Some viewers saw the gesture as a moment of light-hearted affection or a fun banter. However, many others interpreted it as an awkward or even aggressive display.
And just as the internet does, conspiracy theories and memes spread rapidly across platforms like Twitter and TikTok. Users were ready to dissect the clip frame by frame.
The incident has prompted renewed interest in the couple’s long and complicated relationship. Mrs. Macron has never been free from people’s judgment. Her former marriage and then her transition from teacher to First Lady of France have often been recounted with speculation, admiration and critique.
First she groomed him as a boy, now she’s physically abusive.
Brigitte Macron = toxic femininity 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/xixVDWzSCS
— Peter Lloyd (@Suffragent_) May 26, 2025
As one of France’s most visible public figures, Brigitte Macron has faced continuous speculation and scrutiny, and it was not always about her age. People have always talked about her influence on the president and their perceived power dynamic.
However, the couple has remained firm despite public pressure. Macron has repeatedly emphasized his wife’s importance in his life and career. He has often called her his “anchor” and most trusted advisor.
Their relationship was definitely a scandalous one in its early stages. However, it has evolved into one of the most talked-about partnerships in global politics.
We don’t talk enough about the fact that France’s First ‘Lady’, Brigitte Macron, groomed future President Emmanuel Macron when ‘she’ was 40 and he was only FIFTEEN.
Why was ‘she’ allowed to get away with grooming such a young boy? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zQbHGeLhMG
— Cillian (@CilComLFC) May 26, 2025
As speculation swirled, President Macron addressed the tarmac video, calling it a moment of “harmless play” that was misinterpreted by those eager to scandalize.
The Élysée Palace had initially brushed off the clip as either misleading or manipulated. They later acknowledged it but described the gesture as part of the couple’s familiar rapport.
Officials have released statements emphasizing the strength of the Macrons’ relationship, citing their humor and camaraderie as hallmarks of their bond.
