The Secret Behind the Presidential Slap

Ever since Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte uttered his famous phrase, “Cherchez la femme” (“Look for the woman”), the French have continued searching for her—and finding her everywhere. What would be considered “scandalous” in many other countries has long been regarded in France as part of accepted political tradition, whether during the monarchy or the republic. In fact, during the monarchical era, the official royal mistress held a recognized noble title and occupied a visible place in public life. The tradition, in one form or another, persisted into the republican age and followed French presidents into the Élysée Palace.

It was widely said that the presidential palace contained a secret passage through which the president’s mistress could discreetly enter. Yet during the presidency of François Mitterrand, discretion reportedly disappeared, and companions entered openly through the main gate. Indeed, any president who had not already found a companion before assuming office was expected to find one during his term. The image of a French president leaving the palace on a motorcycle to meet his companion became almost comical—especially when hidden beneath a helmet that made him resemble an aging delivery worker.

Emmanuel Macron, however, represented a completely different story. He arrived at the presidency already married to a divorced woman older than himself and with children from a previous marriage. To many observers, this appeared to symbolize the triumph of love over convention. Throughout Macron’s first presidential term, no major rumors disturbed the public image of the couple. Yet in May of this year, something deeply mysterious occurred.

During an official visit to Hanoi, Macron and the French First Lady arrived aboard the presidential aircraft. As the plane door opened, the world was suddenly confronted with a startling scene: Brigitte Macron appeared to slap her husband angrily.

Why did it happen?

France attempted to suppress the details, and gradually the incident faded from public attention. However, this week a newly published book in Paris reportedly revealed the circumstances behind the episode. According to the account, shortly before landing in Hanoi, Brigitte Macron happened to see a message on her husband’s phone. Upon reading it, she allegedly discovered highly flirtatious language addressed to the French president. The sender, according to the book, was the Iranian-born actress Golshifteh Farahani, known internationally for starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the film Body of Lies.

The reported reaction of the French First Lady was the now-famous slap.

At the time, former U.S. President Donald Trump jokingly commented: “Poor Monsieur Macron. His right cheek still hurts.” Presidential humor, perhaps—but also a reminder that private moments can rapidly become global political theater.

Originally published in Asharq Al-Awsat