New Book Claims Hanoi Slap Stemmed From Macron–Farahani Messages

Overview

• Paris Match reporter Florian Tardif publishes a book alleging Brigitte Macron reacted after finding messages between Emmanuel Macron and actress Golshifteh Farahani.
• The book says one text from Macron told Farahani “I find you very beautiful,” a detail Tardif attributes to his reporting and interviews.
• Tardif characterizes the exchange as months of “platonic” yet flirtatious messages, citing unnamed people close to the couple.
• Video from the Hanoi arrival shows Brigitte appearing to slap or push the president as they left the plane, and Macron then smiles and gives a brief wave when he notices the cameras.
• The Élysée first denied the scene and later called it a small couple quarrel, and officials have not gone beyond that line as coverage revisits the clip and Farahani’s profile as a critic of Tehran.