Senator Shehu Sani has commented on the viral video showing French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, appearing to shove his face during their arrival in Vietnam. The moment sparked widespread discussion and speculation on social media.
Sani remarked:
“If it’s the other way round, we would have heard all sorts of condemnations.”
His comment highlights the double standards often seen in reactions to similar incidents involving men and women, pointing to societal biases in interpreting such gestures.
The Élysée Palace has downplayed the incident, describing it as a playful and affectionate moment between the couple just before the start of their diplomatic visit. An official stated the couple were “having a laugh” and called it a “moment of closeness.”
The video showed Macron standing at the open doorway of the plane when a hand—believed to be Brigitte Macron’s—briefly shoved his face. Macron maintained composure, smiled, and waved before exiting the aircraft.
The incident occurred during Macron’s visit to Vietnam, his first as French president in nearly a decade, aimed at strengthening diplomatic and trade relations.