Macron calls Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's wife 'delicious'
French president makes apparent slip during press conference in Sydney
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Emmanuel Macron has raised eyebrows by calling Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s wife “delicious” during a visit to Sydney.
The French president made the remarks in a joint press conference held by the two leaders during a rare visit to the country to discuss security and trade.
Drawing the proceedings to a close, Mr Macron moved to thank Mr Turnbull and his wife, Lucy, for their hospitality during the visit.
“I want to thank you for your welcome, thank you and your delicious wife for your warm welcome,” he said.
“For the perfect organisation of this trip, thanks to you and Lucy, thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister.”
The comment quickly attracted attention on social media and in the Australian press, sparking light-hearted conjecture as to what had been the president’s intention.
Some observers have suggested Mr Macron’s usually fluent English had failed him, since the French word for delicious, delicieux, can also be used to mean “delightful”.
Others believe despite the deadpan nature of his delivery, Mr Macron may have been attempting to make a joke, possibly a tongue-in-cheek reference to Donald Trump‘s visit to Paris last year.
The US president was caught during the trip telling Mr Macron’s wife, Brigitte, that she was “in such great shape”, before looking to her husband and saying, “beautiful”.
Regardless of the intent, the French president’s remark was quickly forgotten as Mr Turnbull smiled and shook his hand.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments