- By Ajeet Kumar
- Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:18 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Macron's cheek-to-cheek kiss with Meloni went viral.
- Awkward diplomatic moment sparked widespread online commentary.
- Incident overshadowed serious summit discussions in Paris.
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.
HORRIFIED-FACE Meloni PUSHES OFF Macron's over-eager hugs & kisses
— RT (@RT_com) April 18, 2026
Then daps to dodge 2nd Gallic glomp pic.twitter.com/8tIQzfnAj5
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.
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.
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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.