A new book by Paris Match journalist Florian Tardif has reignited long-standing rumors about French President Emmanuel Macron and Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani. Published on Wednesday, Un couple (presque) parfait delves into the Macrons' marriage, but its most explosive claim involves a supposed platonic relationship between the head of state and the actress.
Tardif told RTL that he had been repeatedly informed by the couple's inner circle that Macron and Farahani shared a platonic bond. He alleges that Macron once sent the actress a message reading, 'I find you very pretty,' which led to tensions within the presidential couple. According to the book, this tension culminated in an apparent slap from Brigitte Macron to her husband as they prepared to disembark from the presidential plane in Hanoi last May.
Denials and Deflections
People close to Brigitte Macron have formally denied the story to Le Parisien. They stated that the First Lady 'categorically denied this story directly to the author on 5 March, specifying that she never looked into her husband's mobile phone.' The Élysée Palace has not commented on the allegations.
Farahani, who has been a refugee in France since 2008 after facing harassment in Iran for her role in Body of Lies, has addressed the rumors multiple times. Speaking to French media, she said, 'It comes in waves, it appears, disappears...I watch, I observe: what can I do? It doesn't even get on my nerves. What's the point? The question is, why are people interested in this kind of story? I think there's a lack of love in some people and they need to create romances like this to fill it.' She also noted that she spent months in Vancouver and the Amazon, far from any supposed proximity to Macron.
The rumors first surfaced on Iranian social media accounts on X, and have periodically resurfaced despite denials. This latest iteration comes amid broader scrutiny of Macron's personal life and political standing, though the book's claims remain unsubstantiated.
For context, Macron's relationship with his wife Brigitte—24 years his senior and his former teacher—has long been a subject of public fascination in France. Tardif's book, while focusing on their partnership, has now drawn attention to a third party. The timing is notable as Macron faces challenges on multiple fronts, including domestic protests over fuel costs and international tensions.
Farahani, a prominent figure in French cinema, has built a career in Europe since her exile. The actress's dismissal of the rumors as a reflection of others' emotional voids underscores her desire to move past the speculation. Meanwhile, the Macrons have continued their public duties, with the president recently hosting a state visit in Paris.
As the story circulates, it highlights the intersection of celebrity, politics, and media in France, where the private lives of leaders often become public spectacle. Whether the claims hold any weight remains to be seen, but for now, they have added another layer to the narrative surrounding the French presidency.
