Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France and wife of President Emmanuel Macron, is back in the spotlight after a viral video appeared to show her shoving or slapping the president aboard a plane in Vietnam. Emmanuel Macron later told reporters the moment was simply “bickering, or rather joking” with his wife and “nothing,” cautioning that such clips are often twisted by what he called “crackpots.” He cited another instance where social media users falsely claimed a tissue he picked up during a train trip to Ukraine was cocaine. While the clip drew curiosity and controversy, Brigitte Macron is no stranger to headlines; her personal life, public image, and role in French politics have long sparked discussion and debate.
Early life and family background of Brigitte Macron
Brigitte Macron was born Brigitte Marie-Claude Trogneux on 13 April 1953 in Amiens, France. She is the youngest of six children in a well-established family known for their chocolate business, Chocolaterie Trogneux, founded in 1872. The company is now run by her nephew, Jean-Alexandre Trogneux. Raised in a prominent and entrepreneurial household, Brigitte’s early life was grounded in traditional values and a close-knit community.
Met Emmanuel Macron as a teacher
Before entering the political spotlight, Brigitte Macron built a respected career in education. In the 1980s, she taught literature in Strasbourg and later worked at Lycée la Providence in Amiens, where she taught French and Latin. It was at this school that she met Emmanuel Macron, then a 15-year-old student and classmate of her daughter. From 2007 to 2015, she taught at the prestigious Lycée Saint-Louis de Gonzague in Paris, where she instructed the sons of luxury magnate Bernard Arnault.
Controversial relationship with Emmanuel Macron
Brigitte’s relationship with Emmanuel Macron has long drawn public attention, largely due to their 25-year age difference and the circumstances of their meeting—he was a teenager and her student. Despite early criticism and media scrutiny, Macron has often described their bond as a powerful love that defied convention and was misunderstood by many. The couple married in 2007, following her divorce from banker André-Louis Auzière.
The “male at birth” conspiracy theory
Among the more bizarre and persistent conspiracy theories surrounding Brigitte Macron is the claim that she was born male and later transitioned. This theory originated in far-right and anti-government circles online and gained traction in 2021 when a woman named Natacha Rey published unsubstantiated claims alleging that Brigitte was born “Jean-Michel Trogneux.” The rumour was widely circulated on social media and promoted by some outlets, particularly those opposing Emmanuel Macron.The Élysée Palace and Brigitte Macron’s legal team have categorically denied the claims, calling them defamatory and baseless. In December 2021, Brigitte Macron announced she would be taking legal action against those spreading the false narrative. Fact-checkers and reputable media outlets have debunked the story, emphasising that no credible evidence supports the accusation. The episode is now cited as a textbook case of digital misinformation aimed at undermining public figures through personal attacks.
Role in politics and as First Lady of France
Though she holds no official title, Brigitte Macron plays a significant role in her husband’s presidency. She was an active participant in his 2017 campaign and has remained a visible presence in state affairs and international events. Macron initially proposed an official “First Lady” designation with a dedicated staff and budget, but public backlash led to a transparency charter instead, outlining her responsibilities without formal powers.
Public image and media scrutiny
Brigitte’s fashion sense and high-profile connections—such as her close relationship with Bernard Arnault’s family—have frequently made headlines. She has been dressed by Louis Vuitton for official functions, a practice that has drawn criticism for perceived elitism. Commentators have both praised and mocked her style, with comparisons ranging from chic to controversial.
The Hanoi incident
A video showing what appeared to be Brigitte Macron slapping or shoving her husband on a plane in Hanoi surfaced online. The Élysée initially denied its authenticity but later described it as a “moment of decompression” between the couple. While Brigitte’s face was not visible, her arms were seen pushing the president’s face in a moment now dubbed by critics as “awkward.” The First Lady also notably avoided taking the president’s offered arm upon disembarking. The episode has fuelled online rumours but was dismissed by insiders as harmless.
Personal life
Brigitte was previously married to banker André-Louis Auzière, with whom she had three children. After their divorce in 2006, she married Emmanuel Macron the following year. The couple currently resides at the Élysée Palace. She continues to be a central figure in Macron’s personal and political life.Despite facing waves of speculation and online attacks, Brigitte Macron remains a prominent figure in French public life—often navigating the intersection of political duty, personal identity, and public opinion under intense scrutiny.
