France

Netizens are claiming on social media that President Joe Biden tried to sit in a non-existent chair on stage at a D-Day commemoration ceremony in Normandy on Thursday (June 6).

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But what is the truth behind the viral video making rounds on social media?

According to a fact-check report by Forbes, social media experts falsely claimed that Biden was trying to sit on a chair that wasn't even there. 

A longer video has revealed that there was certainly a chair in that spot; indicating an intentional effort to highlight concerns about the mental fitness of the 81-year-old US president.

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The video circulating on social media was cut off seconds before Biden does sit in a chair that was right below him.

After briefly pausing above his seat while waiting for a speaker to conclude the introduction of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Biden's 'so called' awkward moment

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During a poignant D-Day commemoration ceremony in France, President Biden was seen awkwardly fumbling for his seat while other dignitaries remained standing.

According to the video, the 81-year-old US President was seen grasping for his chair in the middle of the stage in Normandy, France — as his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, and French President Emmanuel Macron remained upright beside him.

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At the precise moment Biden appeared to hover over his chair, the first lady seemed to quickly cover her mouth.

Biden then froze awkwardly until the others took their seats, footage of the bizarre moment shows.

Social media erupted immediately after the fumble was caught on camera, with many speculating that the first lady had been discreetly signaling her husband not to take his seat just yet.

It wasn’t immediately clear, though, if Jill did utter anything to Biden in the moment.

A 13-second clip shared by RNC of the apparent mistake on X seems to show that there was no chair behind Biden at all.

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The video, which quickly went viral, led some to wildly speculate about the president’s behaviour.

Few other videos showed Biden with his eyes closed, prompting some to claim he was dozing off.

A third clip circulating on social media later showed the US president appearing lost after shaking hands with France President — before a handler guides him away in the right direction.

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The Bidens were among the world leaders and veterans to gather on the beaches of Normandy on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the June 6, 1944, invasion that helped bring about the end of World War II.

During the ceremony, Biden had said it was the highest honor to salute the assembled US veterans, some huddled in warm blankets.

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He said, “God love ya.” The men who fought here became heroes.”

“They knew beyond any doubt there are things that are worth fighting and dying for,” Biden said.

(With inputs from agencies)