The world was left stunned last week after a video went viral showing French President Emmanuel Macron appearing to be slapped—or at least abruptly pushed in the face—by his wife, Brigitte Macron, upon their arrival in Vietnam on May 27, 2025.

The footage, captured as the presidential couple disembarked from their plane in Hanoi, spread rapidly across social media platforms and news outlets, triggering a wave of global reactions. Initially dismissed as fake by the Elysée Palace, the video was later confirmed to be authentic. A presidential spokesperson described the incident as a “private, affectionate interaction” and said the couple was simply “decompressing” after a long flight.

President Macron later addressed the matter himself, calling the reaction “nonsense” and accusing the media of sensationalizing trivial moments while ignoring more pressing global issues. Still, the video touched a nerve. Public discussion over the past week has intensified, with many questioning the nature of the interaction and the implications it carries.

The incident has reignited debates around gender dynamics and domestic violence double standards. Critics argue that if the roles had been reversed—if a male leader had made such a gesture toward his wife—it would have likely resulted in far harsher public backlash and potential political fallout.

International commentary has not been scarce. On the American talk show The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg defended the couple, condemning the speculation about their private lives and calling for greater perspective when interpreting such moments. Meanwhile, European tabloids and columnists have published a flurry of op-eds ranging from defending Brigitte’s spontaneity to questioning the optics of the exchange.

The Macrons’ relationship has long drawn attention due to their 25-year age gap and the circumstances of their meeting—Brigitte was Emmanuel’s high school drama teacher. The Vietnam incident has reignited both curiosity and critique regarding the couple’s dynamic, with online forums and mainstream media alike dissecting every frame of the viral clip.

As of this week, the video continues to circulate online, trending across platforms and spawning countless memes and commentary threads. While the Macrons have attempted to move past the moment, it has, at least temporarily, become another chapter in the ongoing story of how personal relationships intersect with the public lives of global leaders.

Rachel Griffin Accurso, widely known as Ms. Rachel—a cherished YouTube educator celebrated for her Songs for Littles channel—has recently found herself at the center of public attention following a fundraiser intended to help children affected by global conflicts. While many praised her efforts, the initiative also drew criticism, highlighting the challenges of humanitarian advocacy in today’s polarized climate.

In May 2024, Ms. Rachel launched a charitable campaign through Cameo, creating personalized videos to raise money for Save the Children’s emergency fund. The goal was clear: to support children in conflict zones including Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Within just a few hours, she raised over $50,000, prompting her to temporarily pause the campaign due to overwhelming demand.

Although her initiative was widely commended for its compassion and reach, a wave of criticism surfaced online. Some social media users questioned the regions highlighted in her campaign, challenging the perceived balance of representation. Online comments debated whether all affected groups were equally acknowledged, leading to emotionally charged discussions across platforms.

A significant flashpoint involved Ms. Rachel sharing a photo of a malnourished child in Gaza. Some critics argued that the image misrepresented the situation; however, it was later confirmed that the child was suffering from both cystic fibrosis and starvation. The validation of the photo underscored the real, complex suffering children face in conflict zones around the world.

In response to the backlash, Ms. Rachel addressed her followers in a heartfelt social media video, stating, “The bullying is bad. It’s so bad, but I can handle this.”

Her message resonated with many, particularly her emphasis on prioritizing children’s well-being over political divisions. “I care deeply for all children. Palestinian children, Israeli children, children in the US—Muslim, Jewish, Christian children—all children, in every country. Not one is excluded,” she later wrote on Instagram.

Public reaction remained deeply divided. While some criticized her approach, many others rallied in her defense. Supporters flooded social media with messages praising her courage and dedication to vulnerable children.

One TikTok user commented, “Not all heroes wear capes. I’m truly in awe,” capturing the admiration shared across online communities. Reddit discussions echoed similar sentiments, with users appreciating her focus on the humanitarian dimension rather than the politics.

Ms. Rachel’s experience highlights the complexity public figures face when stepping into humanitarian efforts, particularly in politically charged environments. Her situation illustrates how even well-intentioned initiatives can become flashpoints for wider debates. Yet through it all, Ms. Rachel has remained committed to her message: that children, regardless of where they live or who they are, deserve safety, care, and hope.

As the conversation continues, Ms. Rachel’s actions serve as a reminder of the power of compassion—and the importance of keeping children at the heart of humanitarian work. Her resilience in the face of criticism has only strengthened her resolve to use her platform to promote kindness and support those who need it most.

On 14 April 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 mission lifted off from Corn Ranch in West Texas, marking what many hailed as a historic moment: the first all-female crewed mission to space since Valentina Tereshkova’s groundbreaking solo flight in 1963. But amid the celebration, the mission has also sparked debate over the true accessibility and purpose of commercial space travel in the modern era.

The suborbital flight, lasting approximately 10 minutes and 21 seconds, carried six women aboard—a diverse group comprising former NASA aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, journalist Gayle King, pop superstar Katy Perry, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and pilot and broadcaster Lauren Sánchez, who is also the mission’s curator. The spacecraft soared beyond the Kármán line—106 kilometres above Earth—offering the crew a few weightless minutes before descending safely back to Earth under parachutes.

Each crew member brought with her a distinct narrative. Bowe became the first Bahamian in space; Nguyen, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and advocate for sexual violence survivors, made history as the first Vietnamese-American woman in space. King overcame her well-documented fear of flying, Perry brought international celebrity attention to the launch, Flynn championed the role of women in film and storytelling, and Sánchez leveraged her aviation experience to coordinate the mission’s message of empowerment.

Once weightless, the crew declared, “Take up space,” as a unifying slogan, with Perry serenading the cabin with “What a Wonderful World.” Their flight was attended by a host of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, who celebrated King’s participation, and Orlando Bloom, Perry’s partner.

What Did This Mission Really Accomplish?

While Blue Origin lauded the flight as a milestone for representation and inspiration, critics have questioned its actual significance. Unlike orbital missions that conduct scientific experiments or contribute to space station logistics, NS-31 was purely touristic—lasting barely over ten minutes. The mission did not carry research payloads, technological tests, or humanitarian goals beyond symbolism.

For some, the symbolism is meaningful—showcasing diverse women in a domain long dominated by men. For others, it’s a reminder that space, at least for now, remains the playground of the ultra-wealthy. With tickets costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, the average citizen is far from “taking up space” in any literal sense. Even among private citizens who’ve travelled to space, most come from elite circles of wealth, influence, or celebrity.

Backlash and “Tone-Deaf” Optics

The presence of Katy Perry on the mission drew particular scrutiny—not only because of her fame, but due to a post-flight moment that quickly went viral. Upon exiting the capsule, Perry was seen kissing the ground. While intended to be a gesture of gratitude, it was widely criticised online as performative and out of touch. Many on social media argued that her behaviour trivialised the accomplishment and reflected a lack of awareness of broader global issues, including poverty, war, and climate crises.

Actress Olivia Munn added to the critique, calling the mission “indulgent” and “tone-deaf” given the world’s current struggles. She questioned whether such ventures truly serve humanity or merely stroke the egos of those wealthy enough to afford a seat.

The controversy surrounding Perry also reignited debates about the optics of celebrities participating in what are framed as inspirational missions. While the intention may be to democratise space, the reality—obvious to many observers—is that access remains limited to those with the right bank account or connections.

A Step Forward or a Missed Opportunity?

Despite the criticism, the NS-31 mission remains notable for its emphasis on gender representation and public visibility. It proved that female-led missions can capture global attention and inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts. But whether that inspiration translates into real progress toward inclusive access to space remains to be seen.

For now, missions like NS-31 exist in a grey zone—caught between progress and privilege. While they undeniably advance the visibility of women in spaceflight, they also highlight the economic exclusivity still inherent in the sector. Until tickets are accessible to scientists, educators, and citizens without celebrity or corporate backing, the dream of universal space travel remains aspirational, not actual.

As Blue Origin prepares for its next flight, the world will be watching—both to see who gets to go, and what they choose to do with their moment among the stars.