French President Emmanuel Macron made headlines at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland while sporting aviator sunglasses reminiscent of Tom Cruise’s iconic look. His choice of eyewear came just after former President Donald Trump threatened to impose 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne, prompting speculation about the reason behind the glasses.
The Elysee Palace stated that Macron wore the sunglasses to protect his eyes from a burst blood vessel, which resulted in a noticeable injury. However, this official explanation did little to quell the wild conspiracy theories circulating on social media. Some commenters suggested a connection to a past incident involving his wife, Brigitte Macron, which was dubbed “shove-gate.” In May 2022, a video surfaced showing Brigitte appearing to shove her husband as they exited a plane in Vietnam, an occurrence that Macron later dismissed as playful banter.
Despite his denial, the video has continued to spark discussions and theories online, with some suggesting that Brigitte had caused an injury to Macron that warranted the sunglasses. Artificial intelligence-generated videos also added to the speculation by depicting him removing the shades to reveal a bruise.
Comments on social media ranged from accusations of vanity to jokes about his choice of eyewear being regal yet unnecessary. Macron had donned sunglasses previously during an inspection of France’s armed forces, where he lightheartedly referenced the song “Eye of the Tiger.”
Macron’s appearance at the forum coincided with a pointed critique of Trump’s bully-like behavior. He expressed that Europe would not succumb to intimidation, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law rather than succumbing to aggression. “We do prefer respect to bullies,” Macron asserted, making clear his stance against what he characterized as the “law of the strongest.”
Through this incident, he not only showcased his resolve against external pressures but also continued to engage in a playful yet assertive dialogue. As Macron navigates the complex political landscape with confidence, he reaffirms France’s commitment to standing strong on the global stage in the face of adversity.