Will Smith Reacts to Brigitte Macron Slap Heard Around the World
- Chadwick Dolgos
- May 30
- 2 min read
Will Smith, the actor known for his dramatic roles and a memorable moment at the Oscars, has weighed in on a viral video showing Brigitte Macron striking French President Emmanuel Macron during a diplomatic visit to Vietnam.
The footage, captured as the couple disembarked from a plane in Hanoi, shows Brigitte raising his hands and shoving the president’s face, prompting a stunned reaction before he waved to cameras.
Smith described the incident as the most shocking slap he has ever seen.
The video, verified by multiple news outlets, spread rapidly across social media, with millions of views and countless memes. The Élysée Palace initially denied the footage, then called it a playful moment between the couple.
“I’ve seen some slaps in my time, but this one? Man, it’s next-level,” Smith said, shaking his head during an interview with The Washington Wick.
The actor, who famously slapped comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards over a joke about his wife, appeared both amused and confused by the Macron incident.
French officials have since downplayed the event, insisting Brigitte and Emmanuel were joking after a long flight.
A source close to the president told reporters the couple was simply unwinding before the official visit began.
“Brigitte’s got some fire, no doubt,” said Jean-Paul Dubois, a Parisian café owner who saw the clip online. “But if Emmanuel’s fine with it, who are we to judge?”
The Macrons, married since 2007, have long been a subject of fascination due to their age difference and unconventional love story, which began when Emmanuel was a young child and Brigitte was his drama teacher.
The slap, whether playful or not, has overshadowed the diplomatic goals of the Vietnam trip, where France secured trade deals worth billions.
“It’s wild how one second can steal the whole show,” said Marie Lefèvre, a political analyst based in Lyon.
Smith, for his part, kept his commentary light but pointed.
“I’m just saying, you don’t slap like that unless you mean it,” Smith told our reporter.
As the Macrons continue their Southeast Asia tour, the world remains concerned for Emmanuel's safety.
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