George Clooney and his family have recently become French citizens. This move reflects Clooney’s desire for a different upbringing for his kids, away from the pressures of Hollywood.
The official announcement came from a French gazette, listing Clooney, his wife Amal, and their twins, Alexander and Ella, among the new citizens. While Clooney also holds US citizenship, he and Amal have embraced life in France, where they’ve set up a farm, as he shared in a recent interview with the New York Times.
Clooney has roots in Kentucky and once sought to escape that rural life. However, he now finds joy in farming, stating, “It’s the best chance of a normal life.” He believes that raising his children in Hollywood would expose them to undue scrutiny and comparisons to other famous kids, and he appreciates that France offers a more low-key lifestyle. “In France, they don’t care much about fame,” he noted in an interview, expressing his hope for a more stable environment for his family.
His concerns about privacy are well-founded. In 2021, he penned an open letter urging the media to respect his children’s privacy. France has strict laws protecting personal privacy. For example, it’s illegal to photograph someone without their permission in private spaces. Also, paparazzi face constraints in public, making it harder for them to invade personal moments.
Interestingly, a legal analysis highlighted how paparazzi in France are often deterred from taking intrusive photos. When they attempt to capture celebrities in private moments, the celebrity’s team will document this, using it as leverage to seek damages if the images are published.
Clooney’s journey showcases a growing trend among celebrities who prioritize family privacy, leading some to relocate to countries with strong privacy laws. As more public figures seek to shield their families from media attention, we might see a shift in how celebrities navigate fame and personal life.
For more details, you can read about privacy laws in France here.
