A brief but awkward exchange between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a high-level summit in Paris has gone viral on social media platforms. The video captures Macron greeting Meloni with a cheek-to-cheek kiss, a customary French gesture. However, the moment appeared slightly misaligned, creating an awkward pause that quickly became fodder for online reactions.

While such greetings are routine in European diplomacy, the clip sparked a wave of memes and commentary, with users scrutinising the body language of both leaders.

The interaction took place at the Elysee Palace, where global leaders had gathered for crucial discussions centred on maritime security and escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

ALSO READ: Iran Reacts To Attack On Two Indian-Flagged Ships In Hormuz: 'India Has Benefited From Good Relationship...'

The summit focused heavily on ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has recently witnessed heightened tensions impacting global energy supplies and shipping routes.

Despite the serious agenda, the brief Macron-Meloni moment overshadowed proceedings online, underscoring how even minor diplomatic gestures can capture disproportionate public attention in the age of viral content.

Macron faces online criticism

Some users reminded Macron that he is still a married man, while some recalled the moment when the French President and his wife had an embarrassing moment when she pushed him in the face as the couple arrived in Vietnam to begin a tour of Southeast Asia last year.

ALSO READ: Trump Warns Iran Against ‘Blackmail’ Over Strait Of Hormuz, Hints At Possible Deal

The gesture of the First Lady, although unclear, went crazy viral last year. US President Donald Trump had recently mocked Macron’s relationship with his wife as he chided France for refusing to join the US-Israeli offensive against Iran.

“I called up France, Macron, whose wife treats him extremely badly, (he is) still recovering from the right to the jaw,” the US president said, apparently referencing a video from 2025 in which Brigitte Macron appeared to shove her husband in the face aboard the French presidential jet.

You may also like to watch