Emmanuel Macron’s team has firmly addressed baseless rumors regarding the French president, sparked by a moment during his recent meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Kyiv. The speculation arose after Macron was seen removing a crumpled white object from the table during their meal, leading some on social media to suggest it was cocaine.

In response to the unfounded allegations, the Elysée Palace clarified that the object was merely a piece of tissue. They mocked the rumors, stating, “Disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs when European unity becomes inconvenient.” The palace emphasized the need to be vigilant against manipulation from France’s adversaries, with Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova among those spreading the conspiracy theory.

Despite the clarification, rumors persisted, with some social media users questioning Macron’s actions and suggesting that his handling of the tissue indicated something more sinister. Critics pointed to the change in atmosphere among the leaders after the tissue was removed, fueling further speculation.