Paris loves political affairs. Even more, the capital adores stories where power, jealousy, and glamour blend like champagne at a reception at the Élysée Palace. That’s precisely why a new book about Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron is currently causing such a stir.
At the center is a scene that already made headlines worldwide in 2025.
At the time, the presidential plane door opens in Hanoi, the cameras are rolling – and suddenly it looked like Brigitte Macron made a sharp movement towards her husband’s face. Only a few seconds. Blurry. But enough for the internet to have a collective gasp.
The Élysée downplayed the incident. A gesture of no importance, they said then. Maybe a misunderstanding. Maybe just an unfortunate camera angle. But it’s precisely these kinds of moments that, in the age of social media, act like a spark in dry grass.
Today, journalist Florian Tardif adds fuel to the fire with his book An (Almost) Perfect Couple.
According to his account, Brigitte Macron discovered messages from the Franco-Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani on the president’s phone. They speak of a “platonic relationship,” but also of messages that seemed obviously more personal than a presidential advisor would appreciate.
Sentences like “I find you very pretty” were allegedly said.
Is it really true? That’s where the problem begins.
To date, no public evidence supports this claim. No published message or confirmed document has been presented. Brigitte Macron’s entourage strongly denies these allegations. Close associates of the First Lady even affirm that she never looks at her husband’s phone.
Golshifteh Farahani herself had already denied old rumors suggesting a supposed closeness with Emmanuel Macron. These speculations, she said then, mainly reveal a “lack of love” in those who spread them.
And yet, France is debating it once again.
Why?
Because the story fits perfectly with the image many already have of the Macrons: an extraordinary couple, constantly observed, analyzed, and interpreted. Every look, every gesture, every little irritation immediately turns into national theater.
Added to this is the almost cinematic figure of Farahani.
For years, the actress has been regarded as a dazzling personality – internationally recognized, politically engaged, forced into exile from Iran, both mysterious and non-conformist. In short: the very type of character from whom modern media legends are born.
But the most important thing lies elsewhere.
This case shows how much the boundary between private life and political staging has disappeared. In the past, a brief moment on an airplane staircase might have interested only a few paparazzi. Today, three seconds of video are enough for millions of people around the world to project their own stories onto it.
A bit of politics.
A bit of gossip.
A bit of drama in Netflix style.
And voilà — the global series mode starts.
It is debatable whether the incident can ever be clarified. The journalist relies on his own investigations. The Élysée denies it. The people involved contradict it. For now, one thing is certain: the fascination with the Macron couple remains intact.
France doesn’t just love presidents.
France loves stories about presidents.
By C. Hatty