Actor and activist George Clooney, along with his family, has officially become a French citizen, as confirmed by a government announcement.
Le Monde reported that on Monday, the Clooney family—comprising George, his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, a British-Lebanese lawyer, and their twins, Ella and Alexander—was granted French citizenship this month. This was made known through a naturalization decree published in the Official Gazette of the French Republic on December 27th.
The decree is accessible online via the French Government, where it can be downloaded. The Clooneys are included among numerous others who have been naturalized under similar provisions, following a basic safety test.
Le Monde pointed out that the decree aligns with Clooney’s admiration for France’s privacy laws, which he believes effectively shield families from paparazzi.
Clooney mentioned on RTL Radio in December, “I’m not exactly fluent even after a 400-day course, but I really love French culture and the language.” He added, “In France, they don’t take pictures of kids. There are no paparazzi lurking at school entrances. That’s the best part for us.”
In an October interview with Esquire, Clooney remarked on his appreciation for Los Angeles culture but stressed that living on a farm in France would be more beneficial for his family.
“We live on a farm in France. I spent a significant part of my youth on a farm, and back then, I absolutely loathed it. But now… my twins aren’t glued to their iPads. They must have dinner with an adult and use their own utensils,” he noted.
He further expressed, “In France, fame doesn’t matter much. People don’t want you to constantly think about paparazzi. There’s no need to be measured against some star’s children,” reflecting on the lifestyle there.
Le Monde and other outlets reported that in 2021, Clooney purchased a former wine estate, Domaine du Canadel, located near Brignoles in southern France. He is also said to own properties in Lake Como, Italy, a historic home in England, an apartment in New York, and land in Kentucky.
Over the last decade, the Clooneys have sold previous residences in Los Angeles and Mexico.
Additionally, director Jim Jarmusch shared on France Inter Radio last week that he intends to seek French citizenship, feeling drawn to French culture and desiring a retreat from the U.S.
