Crack between one widely popular power couples in the political arena?
French President Emmanuel Macron has been seen involved in an incident in which his wife, Brigitte, was seen pushing him in the face. The incident took place just when the couple arrived in Vietnam to begin a tour of Southeast Asia.
In a viral video, Brigitte Macron appeared to shove her husband before he walked down from the presidential plane late on Sunday. The apparent suddenness of the blow caused the French President to step back before he recovered. He then waved to the cameras on the tarmac below.
Brigitte, however, was seen remaining momentarily hidden behind the plane's fuselage, blocking any view of her body language. The couple then descended the steps together, with Brigitte refusing her husband's arm.
What really happened?
Leaving no scope for speculation of any possible rift between the two, Macron was quick to explain, "I was bickering, or rather joking, with my wife." Macron assured reporters in Hanoi, saying, "It's nothing!"
Moreover, he cautioned that this was not the first time in recent weeks that the content of videos of him had been twisted by people he described as "crackpots".
However, this incident has brought the relationship of the high-profile couple under scrutiny once again.
Let’s take a look at the most harped-upon aspect of their relationship.
The Macron Romance:
Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron's relationship has captivated the public's imagination for years, not only because of their prominence in French politics but also due to another significant point – it’s the age gap.
Their story began in 1993 when Emmanuel was a 15-year-old student at Lycée la Providence in Amiens, where Brigitte taught French and Latin. She was also the mother of his classmate, Laurence. Their connection deepened through the school's after-school drama club, where Emmanuel was an enthusiastic participant. Brigitte was 39 at the time. Despite the unconventional nature of their bond, Emmanuel was resolute in his feelings, famously telling her at 17, “Whatever you do, I will marry you.”
The age gap:
The couple shares an age gap of approximately 24 years, with Brigitte being born on April 13, 1953, and Emmanuel on December 21, 1977.
Initially, their relationship was kept secret. When Emmanuel's parents discovered the truth, they were concerned about the implications of such a relationship and sent him to Paris to complete his education. However, the physical distance did not diminish their connection; they maintained contact through letters and occasional meetings. Brigitte, who was married to banker André-Louis Auzière and had three children, was initially hesitant about the relationship. She later explained that her primary concern was the potential impact on her children, who were close to Emmanuel's age.
The happy(?) ending:
After a decade of navigating these complexities, Brigitte divorced her husband in 2006. A year later, in 2007, she and Emmanuel married in a private ceremony in Le Touquet, a coastal town in northern France. At their wedding, Emmanuel, then 29, made a heartfelt toast: “Thanks for accepting us, a not-quite-normal couple.”
The bottom line:
Despite the significant age difference, the couple has often expressed that it has never been an issue for them. Brigitte has remarked that the age gap is “nothing,” highlighting their deep emotional connection and shared values. Emmanuel has also spoken about the profound impact Brigitte has had on his life, both personally and professionally. Her support and guidance have been instrumental in his political journey, and she continues to play a significant role in his life and work -- that too, despite all the controversies surrounding them.
During Macron's presidential campaign, some outlets were harsh enough to refer to Brigitte as a ‘cougar’, highlighting the age difference in a derogatory manner. Moreover, rumors about Macron's sexuality gained momentum as well, which he publicly denied, attributing such speculations to homophobia and misogyny.
That’s not it.
In 2024, a conspiracy theory claimed that Brigitte Macron had undergone a gender transition.
To tackle this widespread rumor, legal actions had to be taken against those responsible for initiating it.
No matter what the hurdle was, the Macrons have withstood it and come out stronger.
Will the couple be able to withstand this latest hiccup?
Time will tell.
For now, it seems they are going strong despite the public faux pas.
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