Did Brigitte Macron slap Emmanuel Macron over ‘steamy’ actress texts? New book makes explosive claim

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are back in the spotlight after a new book linked last year’s viral Hanoi plane incident to alleged messages exchanged between Macron and Iranian-born actress Golshifteh Farahani.

The claims, published in journalist Florian Tardif’s book An (Almost) Perfect Couple, have reignited online speculation over whether the awkward moment caught on camera in Vietnam was tied to tensions inside the presidential couple’s relationship.

According to the book, Brigitte Macron allegedly became upset after seeing messages exchanged between Macron and Farahani shortly before the couple stepped off their aircraft in Hanoi in May last year. One of the alleged messages reportedly read: “I find you very pretty.”

The book claims the exchanges caused strain between the couple and may have contributed to the now-viral public moment involving the French president and first lady.

What happened in the viral Hanoi plane video?

The controversy centers on a widely circulated video filmed in Hanoi, Vietnam, during an official visit by the French president. In the clip, Brigitte Macron appeared to shove or slap Macron moments before the couple exited their plane.

The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering speculation about possible tensions between the two and turning the moment into a major online talking point.

At the time, Macron’s team dismissed the incident as playful behavior between the couple before an official engagement. Macron himself later said they were “joking around” and urged people not to overreact to the clip.

The newly released book, however, has added a fresh layer to the controversy by linking the viral moment to the alleged messages involving Farahani.

Did Emmanuel Macron and Golshifteh Farahani have a relationship?

French media reports cited in the book claimed Macron and Farahani allegedly shared a “platonic relationship” over several months. However, no evidence of a romantic affair has been made public.

Representatives for Brigitte Macron have strongly denied the allegations. According to reports in French media, the First Lady rejected claims that she ever checked her husband’s phone.

Farahani has also repeatedly denied rumours of any romantic involvement with Macron. Earlier this year, the actress dismissed the speculation, saying some people “need to create romances” where none exist.

The Elysee Palace has not issued any fresh statement following renewed attention surrounding the book and the viral video controversy.