How the viral slap says more about us than Macron

How the viral slap says more about us than Macron

An altercation between French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife has gone viral, after it was opportunistically captured by a TV news crew. Despite Macron’s attempts to downplay the incident, an RMIT expert explains it will inevitably impact his leadership.

Professor Sen Sendjaya, School of Management

“The viral circulation of the video of the French president being slapped by his wife, and the public response, has revealed more than it concealed: about us, about leadership, and about the fragile dance between image and authenticity.

“We all carry internal templates for leaders, which rarely make room for personal vulnerability or relational spontaneity. Many find it unsettling when our leaders become human. Audiences are now judging the viral slap itself and Macron’s fitness to lead. But this response is on us, not Macron.

“For Macron, it's yet another golden opportunity, following previous hiccups that were also viral, to show vulnerability. Vulnerability of course is an asset for leaders, not a liability. It’s a connection that builds, not a weakness that erodes, trust in a leader. 

“The courage to be real may be the most compelling form of leadership we have left. The leader is no longer a polished symbol, but a person. And leaders too, are wonderfully, sometimes uncomfortably, human.”

Sen Sendjaya is a Professor of Leadership and Management, and Head of Department (Management and Organisation) at the School of Management at RMIT University. His areas of research include servant leadership, destructive leadership and leadership development. 

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General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

27 May 2025

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27 May 2025

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