The office of French President Emmanuel Macron has moved to quell swirling speculation over an alleged in-flight altercation between the president and First Lady Brigitte Macron, describing it as a “harmless squabble” blown out of proportion.
The reported incident occurred during a return flight from an official visit last week. According to unconfirmed French media reports, the presidential couple engaged in a heated exchange that allegedly prompted cabin crew intervention. Some outlets even suggested the dispute caused a temporary disruption aboard the official aircraft.
In a brief statement released on Monday, the Élysée Palace dismissed the reports as “sensationalist” and lacking in context.
“There was no altercation, no need for intervention, and certainly no breach of security,” the statement read. “Like any couple, the President and the First Lady may occasionally disagree. What’s been described in the press is a harmless private exchange, exaggerated beyond reason.”
Officials within the president’s inner circle also denied that the disagreement had any bearing on Macron’s official schedule or decision-making. “President Macron is focused on his duties, including upcoming diplomatic meetings and domestic reforms,” said an aide who requested anonymity.
The First Lady’s office has not issued a separate comment, though sources close to Brigitte Macron confirmed she has continued with her public engagements without interruption.
French tabloids and social media had been abuzz with speculation over the weekend, with some users suggesting tensions within the presidential family. However, political analysts note that Macron, who is midway through his second term, has maintained a relatively stable personal image since first taking office in 2017.
The couple, who met when Emmanuel Macron was a student and Brigitte was his drama teacher, have been married since 2007 and remain one of France’s most high-profile partnerships.
