Recently, a widely shared video of French President Emmanuel Macron being lightly slapped by his wife, Brigitte Macron, on their arrival in Vietnam has sparked a flurry of speculation and conspiracy theories globally. The clip shows Brigitte playfully touching her husband’s face, prompting various interpretations and commentary.
In response, President Macron characterized the incident as a lighthearted moment, stating, “We were joking and teasing each other, as we often do. While the video has made quite an impression, it was simply a moment of fun.” The Élysée Palace echoed this sentiment, describing the interaction as playful and dismissing any surrounding controversy.
Adebate: Controversy or Lighthearted Banter?
The viral footage reveals Brigitte Macron reaching out to slap her husband’s face lightly while he stands next to her. Reactions have ranged from interpreting it as a serious act to viewing it as an instance of affectionate teasing.
President Macron remarked, “In our fast-paced world, we don’t have time to fixate on trivial issues. Many of these distractions divert our attention from more pressing concerns.” He firmly refuted any claims of a family dispute, asserting, “This has been exaggerated. People often say foolish things—everyone should just take a breath.”
A Strategic Approach to Misinformation
In light of recent events, the Élysée Palace has taken a more assertive approach to counter misinformation, especially regarding Brigitte Macron. The First Lady has been a target of various conspiracy theories, including the false narrative that she is transgender. One enduring myth claims she was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux and underwent gender transition at 30, allegedly fabricated by her brother to craft her identity.
Such baseless claims have proliferated across social media, spurred by accounts opposing Macron, far-right factions, anti-vaccine activists, and proponents of the QAnon conspiracy theory. Reports suggest that these false stories originated from articles in far-right publications and were subsequently amplified by popular YouTube channels known for anti-establishment views.
In one instance, a photo purportedly depicting Jean-Michel Trogneux as a child was circulated, claiming to show similarities to Brigitte. However, such resemblances are to be expected between siblings. The French courts have intervened, awarding €8,000 in damages to Brigitte Macron and €5,000 to her brother for defamation related to these conspiracy theories.
Support from Global Figures and US Far-Right
Interestingly, Brigitte Macron’s conspiracy theories have also gained traction among certain American far-right figures, including Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, who are known to back former US President Donald Trump. For instance, Owens released a video entitled “Is the First Lady of France a Man?” that further fueled these rumors.
President Macron has not been spared from similar disinformation. In December 2021, a conspiracy theory emerged claiming that his identity was fabricated, inaccurately suggesting that his wife had given birth to their children, a claim that gained traction in fringe circles.
Throughout 2021, far-right French publications devoted several issues to “revealing” supposed mysteries surrounding Brigitte Macron, complete with sensational headlines and speculative articles. The conspiracy theories remain prevalent, with one recent issue titled “Understanding the Jean-Michel Trogneux Case,” perpetuating this unfounded narrative.
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