The close circle of Brigitte Macron strongly contests the disputed version of a filmed episode in Vietnam on May 25, 2025, where a camera recorded what was interpreted as a slap directed at her husband. The advisors assert that the published explanations do not correspond to the facts and call for caution against hasty interpretations.
In short: the sequence has provoked a lively international controversy, the Élysée referred to it as a “moment of complicity,” while a book published in May 2026 relays another reading, contested by the First Lady’s entourage and which has sparked new reactions.
What the close circle says and the official refutation
The entourage of Brigitte Macron stated to Parisien that the interpretation of the sequence as a scene of jealousy is inaccurate. Those close to her assure that a lively discussion was transformed into a media incident and remind that the First Lady personally denied any link with a third party on March 5. This refutation aims to restore the context and calm the controversy.
The author’s version and the controversy surrounding the sources
Journalist Florian Tardif, author of a book released in May 2026, offers an alternative explanation, mentioning a “fairly significant argument” related to digital exchanges with actress Golshifteh Farahani. This interpretation, relayed by L’Indépendant, has been strongly contested by the close circle, which denies confirming these elements to the journalist. The divergence concerns the verification of the reported testimonies.
Political and media reactions
In the days following the release of the video, media and personalities multiplied their comments, amplifying the incident. The Élysée preferred to describe the scene as a “racket” and a “moment of decompression,” a version adopted by several outlets that downplayed the impact of the image. Presidential associates emphasize the need to place the event within the context of an official trip and not a public marital dispute.
Consequences for the couple’s image and lessons learned
The release of this sequence illustrated the fragility of public image and the speed of reactions in 2026. The First Lady’s advisors have since been working to limit media impact and to correct what they deem to be a disputed version. This affair reminds us that candid images can be decontextualized, and that crisis communication remains crucial to protect the privacy of the protagonists.
To learn more about Sébastien Auzière and the family ties with the presidential couple, discover in-depth articles and analyses on the blog dedicated to Sébastien Auzière, and continue reading to further explore the context and behind-the-scenes of this controversy.
