Macron allies deny Brigitte slapped French president over texts with Iranian actress

Key Points:

• Brigitte Macron has strongly denied allegations that a public argument with President Macron last year was triggered by his purported relationship with actress Golshifteh Farahani, as claimed in a new book by journalist Florian Tardif.
• The book alleges that President Macron maintained a "platonic relationship" with Farahani, with some messages exchanged that suggested attraction, though Farahani has denied any relationship and has not commented on the book's claims.
• The Élysée initially dismissed reports of the incident as fake news or "horseplay," and President Macron described the event as a joke blown out of proportion, despite widespread media attention and even a joke from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Additional political news includes former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe launching a presidential campaign to challenge far-right candidates, and EU prosecutors opening an investigation into far-right leader Jordan Bardella amid Marine Le Pen's legal issues.
• Concerns have been raised about the relationship between French politicians Séjourné and Attal, both of whom gained prominence under President Macron's administration.