On Sunday (May 25), footage of Brigitte Macron and President Emmanuel Macron went viral showing the First Lady of France seemingly pushing or slapping the leader after they touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam.
A lip reader weighed in reviewing the exchange as pretty frosty, however, Macron later spoke out about the clip, stressing the pair were ‘joking’.
And the incident has led to many discovering how Macron – aged 47 – and 72-year-old Brigitte – nee Trogneux – first got together.
The couple first met in 1993 when the now-president was 15 years old and Brigitte was 39 years old.
Emmanuel Macron appeared to be ‘slapped’ by his wife (AP Photo/Hau Dinh via Alamy)
How Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Trogneux first met
Macron was a student at a private secondary school called La Providence, located in Amiens, northern France and Brigitte was a teacher at the very same school.
Trogneux reportedly taught French lessons as well as drama classes – the latter in which she is said to have met Macron.
At the time, Brigitte was married to banker Andre Auziere – with whom she shares three children: Sebastien, Laurence and Tiphaine.
And according to writer Anne Fulda – who’s written a biography on Macron’s life titled Emmanuel Macron: A Perfect Young Man – Macron’s parents initially believed he was dating one of Brigitte’s children.
The pair met when Macron was at secondary school (LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)
What Macron’s parents have said about discovering his relationship with Trogneux
Macron’s parents told Fulda they found out their son was actually engaging in an affair with Brigitte through a family friend.
His mother, Francoise Nogues-Macron, said, as quoted by The Independent: “We just couldn’t believe it. What is clear is that when Emmanuel met Brigitte, we couldn’t just say, ‘That’s great’.”
His father, Jean-Michel Macron, echoed: “When Emmanuel met Brigitte, we certainly did not say, ‘How wonderful!'”
They ultimately decided to pull Macron out of the secondary school, however, Nogues-Macron noted ultimately ‘what mattered’ most to her was her son was ‘alive’ and ‘there weren’t any problems’.
Although, she did reportedly turn round to Brigitte and point out Macron would ultimately ‘not have children’ if they stayed together and she’d already ‘had [her] life’.
When allegedly warned by Macron’s parents to leave their son alone until he was at least 18, she allegedly replied: “I cannot promise you anything.”
And Brigitte has spoken out publicly about the relationship too.
Macron and Brigitte have both publicly addressed various rumors (NHAC NGUYEN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
What Trogneux has said about her relationship with Macron
In an interview with Elle France magazine in 2017, Brigitte said her and Macron’s romance ‘unfolded very slowly’.
Macron went off to Lycee Henri IV in Paris to finish his studies but reportedly vowed to come back and marry Brigitte.
She said: “The great distances that separated us physically until 2007. But we wrote to each other all the time during that period.
“It all unfolded very slowly. I gradually brought my family to realise that. Emmanuel gradually brought his family to realise that.”
In 2007, the pair married when Macron was 29 and Brigitte 54.
And to those who highlight the over 20-year age gap between them?
Well, she said the pair have made it a ‘joke between’ themselves and ‘anything anyone might say’ is ultimately ‘just a big nothing’.
Featured Image Credit: Antoine Gyori – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Topics: Emmanuel Macron, France, World News, Politics
Poppy Bilderbeck
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French president Macron explains reason wife ‘slapped’ him as lip reader reveals what she said after incident
Macron has hit back at several rumors including accusations of cocaine use, a spat with Turkey’s president and now a rift with his wife
French President Emmanuel Macron was forced to address footage that captured his wife Brigitte ‘slapping’ him, as a lip reader claimed things were ‘icy’ between the pair.
For those that missed it, First Lady of France Brigitte Macron appeared to either slap or push the leader as the presidential plane doors opened upon their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Sunday (May 25).
The 47-year-old then offered his hand to his 72-year-old wife to help as they walked down the aircraft’s steps, to which she seemingly refused – with a lip reader even claiming she called him a ‘loser’.
Now, Macron has defended himself while speaking with reporters in Southeast Asia, claiming the pair were ‘joking’, while also touching on a number of other accusations made of him that have surfaced on social media in recent weeks.
“My wife and I were squabbling, we were rather joking, and I was taken by surprise,” explained the French president of eight years.
“[It has since] become a kind of planetary catastrophe, and some [people] are even coming up with theories.”
He then went on to talk about the false accusations that he had been taking cocaine while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The trio had met in hopes of brokering a peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The picture in question simply depicted a tissue on Macron’s table.
Shortly after, there were then stories pedaled online that claimed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had firmly grabbed his fingers during a handshake, with many speculating that it was part of Erdogan’s power-play.
Speaking in Hanoi, Macron continued: “For three weeks… there are people who have watched videos and think I shared a bag of cocaine, that I had a fight with the Turkish president, and that now I’m having a domestic dispute with my wife.
“None of these are true.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with the tissue depicted on the table which many people believed was a bag of cocaine (Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Although he did concede that all the videos were ‘completely authentic’, he stressed that the stories created by people online were not.
As for his exchange with his wife 25 years his senior, a lip reader told the Express: “As the aircraft door opens, President Macron is seen turning toward Brigitte. In an unexpected moment, she pushes him in the face. Realising the door is already open and staff are witnessing the interaction, Emmanuel appears uncomfortable and quickly raises his hand with a forced ‘Hi’.”
A crew member on board the jet apparently then ‘visibly flinches, brushing her hand through her hair in discomfort.’
As for Macron, he allegedly ‘steps closer to Brigitte before composing himself and crossing to the other side,’ the analyst continued.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron pictured just moments after the ‘slap’ (LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)
“Moments later, he signals for her to follow him with ‘Let’s go’.”
With a thanks to the pilot and a wave to the camera – which the analyst said was the president attempting to recover his ‘public-facing image’ – the pair turn to the descent, which is where ‘things turn icy again.’
“He offers his arm; she ignores it, clinging to the railing instead. As she passes, she appears to mutter, and lipread as ‘Dégage, espèce de loser’, translated in English ‘Stay away, you loser’.”
Macron reportedly responded: “Essayons, s’il te plaît,” translating to, “Let’s try, please?”
However, Brigitte allegedly replied curtly: “Non.”
The lipreader claimed: “His closing expression, and the phrase lipread as ‘Je vois’ translated in english ‘I see,’ says it all.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/LUDOVIC MARIN
Topics: Emmanuel Macron, France, Social Media, Politics
Joe Yates
French politician demands America returns the Statue of Liberty after 140 years
Raphael Glucksmann took aim at the US amid ongoing political tensions involving Donald Trump
She’s become a beloved and unmissable landmark for the United States, but now French politician Raphael Glucksmann is demanding that Lady Liberty should be returned to France.
Despite holding strong associations to the fabric of New York, and America as a whole, the Statue of Liberty is indeed actually a French creation, and even has a sister statue located in Paris.
The statue was first proposed all the way back in 1865, when a French political intellectual and anti-slavery activist named Edouard de Laboulaye suggested it be created to mark the centennial of independence in the United States, as well as the country’s friendship with France.
The Statue of Liberty has been a US landmark for decades (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
The statue was designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, before being delivered to the US on June 17, 1885. It was finally erected on Bedloe’s Island in 1886, where it has remained ever since… Until now?
Amid political tensions between the US and Europe, Glucksmann, a centre-left politician in France, claimed that the US should ‘give [France] back the Statue of Liberty’.
Speaking at a convention of his Place Publique centre-left movement, Glucksmann continued: “We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty’.
“‘We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home’.”
Glucksmann said France would welcome researchers as well as the statue (GUILLAUME SOUVANT/AFP via Getty Images)
Glucksmann’s comments came after US President Donald Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports coming into the US – a move which prompted the European Commission to respond with tariffs of its own against American products.
The president then doubled down by threatening a 200 percent tariff on all ‘wines, champagne and alcoholic products’ arriving into the US from France and other European countries.
Amid the trade war, Gluckmann has also taken issue with Trump’s approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which involved cutting US military aid to Ukraine, as well as his decision to cut federal funding to research institutions.
The politician suggested France would be willing to welcome more than the Statue of Liberty, as he indicated the country could offer opportunities to researchers who had lost their jobs.
He said: “The second thing we’re going to say to the Americans is: ‘if you want to fire your best researchers, if you want to fire all the people who, through their freedom and their sense of innovation, their taste for doubt and research, have made your country the world’s leading power, then we’re going to welcome them’.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: France, Politics, Donald Trump, US News
Emily Brown
Matthew Gaudreau’s wife is expecting their first child amid his tragic death
The dad-to-be was tragically killed earlier this week, alongside his brother – NHL star Johnny Gaudreau
Matthew Gaudreau’s wife is expecting their first child, it has been revealed.
The dad-to-be was tragically killed earlier this week, alongside his brother – NHL star Johnny Gaudreau – while the pair were riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
The brothers were struck by a car and killed in the incident, New Jersey State Police confirmed.
Police told CBS News Philadelphia the pair had been riding their bikes along County Route 551 at around 8pm when they were struck by a man driving a Jeep.
The driver – Sean M Higgins – was reportedly trying to overtake a vehicle. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, PEOPLE reports.
In a statement, New Jersey State Police, told UNILAD: “Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 8:19 p.m. on County Route 551 North, milepost 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County.
“Based on a preliminary investigation, two pedalcyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male from Carneys Point, N.J., and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male from Pedricktown, N.J., were traveling north on County Route 551, close to the fog line of the roadway.
“Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old male from Woodstown, N.J., was traveling north on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV.
“Higgins attempted to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes of travel, passed the slower-moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound lanes of travel when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the two pedalcyclist traveling north on the right side of the roadway.”
Matthew’s wife is expecting their first child (GoFundMe)
The police explained that Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right, before colliding with the cyclists.
“Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two pedalcyclists in the rear,” the statement continued. “As a result of the collision, the two pedalcyclists sustained fatal injuries.
“Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.”
According to a complaint obtained by The Post, the officer who arrived on the scene detected a ‘strong odor of alcohol’ on Higgins.
He allegedly told police he had had ‘five to six beers’ before the incident.
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Matthew and Johnny were killed while riding their bikes (Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family, as they try to deal with the devastating loss.
The page has so far raised over $250,000, with a Facebook post by Madeline’s sister, Holland, explaining: “My sister Madeline and the rest of the Gaudreau family is experiencing the unfathomable loss of Matthew and John.
“Madeline is expecting their first child, baby Tripp in December. There are no words big or strong enough to convey our condolences.
“Lets come together to support them during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, the GoFundMe explains: “In this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew’s wife, Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family.
“Although no amount of money can ease the pain of loss, your support on any level will help take some of the financial weight off the Gaudreau family as they navigate this journey.”
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and the pair have two children, one-year-old Noa and six-month-old Johnny.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe/Instagram/mattygaudreau11
Lucy Devine
People are just realizing effect Trump’s tariffs will have on items as price of $80,000 truck instantly increases live on TV
The impact Donald Trump’s tariffs are having in everyday life were evident on live TV
Many people on the internet are coming to the realization the impact Donald Trump’s tariffs will have on items across the country.
President Trump returned to the White House some 44 days ago, and he marked that with an address to Congress on Tuesday (March 4).
During his speech, Trump revealed he received a letter from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid the feud that unfolded in the Oval Office last week.
So far, the Republican president has signed off on many executive orders – which have included halting the ban of TikTok, and declaring that there are ‘only two genders’ among others.
Donald Trump has imposed numerous tariffs (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Tariffs, tariffs and more tariffs
Tariffs have also played a huge part in Trump’s premiership so far, with countries such as Mexico, Canada and China feeling the brunt of it.
The tariffs have been introduced to tackle what the White House has described as an ‘extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl’.
Essentially, tariffs are taxes imposed on foreign goods, meaning many of these goods will cost more to sell in the US – which could ultimately be passed on to the consumer.
The impact on everyday items
A recent Fox News report has detailed what these tariffs are doing in the real world, with a Dodge Ram truck instantly becoming $20,000 more expensive on live TV.
“This Dodge Ram truck was $80,000. It instantly just became $100,000 under Trump’s tariff tax hike,” Twitter account FactPost, who shared the Fox News clip, wrote.
Fox: This Dodge Ram truck was $80,000. It instantly just became $100,000 under Trump’s tariff tax hike
David Kelleher, owner of Pennsylvania-based car dealership David Auto Group, told Fox: “I sold an order for a customer – $80,000 truck. It’s $100,000 now.
“He’s not going to buy the tuck. It’s going to sit on my lot – you know the highest interest rates we’re paying for floorplan.
“Nobody’s gonna buy the truck because it just had a $20,000 price increase.”
UNILAD has gone to Dodge for a comment.
Response to the tariffs
The likes of Canada and China have imposed counter tariffs on the US following Trump’s decision.
Following the order coming into play, China announced plans to impose taxes of 15 percent on coal and liquified natural gas from the US, as well as a 10 percent levy on crude oil, farming equipment, and some cars.
And on Tuesday (March 4), the country announced imports of US-grown chicken, wheat, corn and cotton will see an extra 15 percent tariff, while the likes of sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafoods, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products are seeing a 10 percent increase, as per AP.
Meanwhile, Canada is imposing 25 percent tariffs on CA $155 billion of US goods.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Alex Wong/FOX News
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, Money
