Brigitte Macron slaps husband-French President Emmanuel Macron? 5 times world leaders’ relationships made shocking headlines

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron's relationship is under scrutiny, yet again. A video of the French President being slapped by his wife in an aeroplane has shocked people and has now gone viral on the internet! The bizarre incident happened when the Macrons landed in Vietnam to begin their official tour of Southeast Asia.

In the viral video, Brigitte Macron appears to push President Emmanuel Macron just as he prepares to step off the presidential plane on Sunday evening. The unexpected gesture made the French President briefly stumble before regaining his composure and waving to the cameras waiting on the tarmac. Brigitte remained momentarily out of sight behind the aircraft's fuselage, making it difficult to read her expression or body language. Moments later, the couple walked down the stairs together, but Brigitte noticeably declined to take her husband’s arm, adding to the speculation surrounding the incident.

However, putting any speculations of a rift between them to rest, Emmanuel Macron explained to reporters in Hanoi, "I was bickering, or rather joking, with my wife...It's nothing!" He further said that this is not the first time that "crackpots" have twisted his videos with his wife to create controversies about their relationship.
Well, whatever be the real case, this particular incident has surely made people question if all is well between the high-profile French couple. Meanwhile, here we list some other world leaders whose relationships made shocking headlines recently:

While Donald Trump's inauguration day 2025 ceremony was historic in its own way, what really made the headlines that day was his wife
Melania Trump's choice to dressup as a boss lady. Dressed in a pant-suit and hat that covered her eyes, Melania made a powerful statement at the inauguration day ceremony in January 2025. But caught people's attention was the way Melania's dodged kissing her husband Donald Trump at ceremony, as her huge hat came in the way. This left Donald Trump and Melania sharing an awkward kiss in the air! The incident not only surprised people, but also made them question if all is well in the Trumps' paradise.

This is not the first time that Donald Trump and Melania's marriage has been scrutinised by the public. In some earlier incidents caught on camera, netizens have been quick to notice how Melania often tries to push away the US President's hand while walking or ascending from a flight during official trips together.

Earlier in 2025, there were a series of events wherein former US President Barack Obama was seen attending alone while his wife Michelle skipped them altogether. Be it attending former US President Jimmy Carter's funeral or Donald Trump's inauguration day 2025 ceremony-- Michelle Obama was missing them all, while Barack Obama was spotted alone. This gave rise to rumours of trouble in the Obamas' marriage. Howevers, weeks down the line-- the beloved couple seem to be very much together.

In 2023, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's divorce stirred up a controversy and made headlines across Europe. The split from her long-time partner, journalist Andrea Giambruno, followed a wave of public scrutiny after leaked recordings showed Giambruno making inappropriate and sexist remarks. While Meloni cited the need to protect her dignity and daughter, critics and supporters alike have debated the political and personal implications of the breakup. Some view the divorce as a bold assertion of personal values, while others question its timing and media handling. The incident has sparked broader conversations about privacy, leadership, and the pressures female politicians face in the public eye.

Putin’s 2013 divorce from wife Lyudmila was announced quietly during a ballet intermission and was followed by years of rumors linking him to former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva. The Kremlin has remained tight-lipped, but the secrecy around his personal life continues to spark curiosity and speculation.

Photo: AP