Macron downplays viral moment with wife after initially blaming Russian accounts

French President Emmanuel Macron has found himself at the center of controversy after video images surfaced showing his wife, Brigitte, pushing him away with both hands in the face. Macron has alleged that these images are part of a pro-Russian disinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

Initially, Macron’s office denied the authenticity of the images, suggesting that they were generated by artificial intelligence and disseminated by pro-Russian accounts. However, The Associated Press later confirmed the veracity of the footage.

Despite the initial denial, Macron’s office has downplayed the incident, describing it as a moment of “complicity” between the president and his wife. Macron himself has insisted that the couple was simply joking around and that the incident has been blown out of proportion.

The video in question shows Brigitte Macron pushing her husband away as they prepare to disembark from a plane. The footage captures her red-sleeved arms reaching out to push Macron’s face, eliciting a smile from the French president before he exits the aircraft.

Following the incident, Macron and his wife were seen descending the stairs of the plane together, with Macron offering his arm to Brigitte, who did not take hold of it. The couple appeared composed as they arrived at their destination.

The video quickly went viral, with many of the accounts promoting it being known for their hostility towards Macron. The French leader has expressed frustration over the spread of misinformation about him, emphasizing that the claims are unfounded.

In a statement to reporters, Macron urged calm and called for an end to the unfounded rumors circulating about him. He highlighted the need for people to differentiate between reality and the false narratives being perpetuated.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Macron remains focused on his duties as the President of France. The incident with his wife has not derailed his commitment to leading the country and addressing important issues on the global stage.

In conclusion, the video images of Brigitte Macron pushing her husband have sparked a debate about the spread of disinformation and the impact it can have on public figures. Macron’s response to the incident highlights the challenges of navigating a media landscape where falsehoods can quickly gain traction.