George Clooney Reflects on Raising Children in France

Actor George Clooney recently shared that he believes his children are enjoying a much better life growing up in France compared to Hollywood.

In 2024, Clooney relocated to France with his family, settling in the picturesque village of Cotignac.

According to Clooney, his kids feel a sense of stability in their lives. He mentioned in an interview with Esquire that he wanted to shield them from the Hollywood lifestyle, which is filled with technology and constant media attention.

“We are very fortunate,” Clooney remarked. “We live on a farm in France. I spent much of my own childhood on a farm, and honestly, I wasn’t a fan of it back then. But for my kids, it’s like not having an iPad. They have to sit down for dinner with us and help with chores.” He described their life on a farm that spans hundreds of acres, with vines and olive trees, and illustrated how he drives his children around on tractors.

Clooney emphasized that his children have a considerably better upbringing compared to what he imagined they might face in Los Angeles. “In France, fame doesn’t matter. People don’t stress over paparazzi, and they aren’t concerned with comparing their kids to others who are famous.” He expressed concerns about the impact of Hollywood culture on children, feeling it would hinder their ability to lead balanced lives.

This departure from Los Angeles raises an interesting thought about what could be more progressive than California. Given Clooney’s political history, it’s reasonable to assume he felt comfortable with the leadership of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

This shift in Clooney’s life seems to mirror a broader sentiment, possibly influenced by recent public events, including remarks from Hunter Biden. Clooney has been politically active for years, advocating for various causes. For instance, he previously argued that Biden’s presidency would mean “a return to civility.” In 2012, Clooney was arrested during protests in Washington, D.C. against human rights abuses in Sudan.

Furthermore, in 2020, he and his wife, Amal, made headlines for their substantial donation to the Equal Justice Initiative following George Floyd’s death. The initiative advocates for racial equality and has called for significant changes in policing and community funding.

Reflecting on his beliefs, Clooney cited his father’s view that standing up to bullies and racists is a civic duty. He expressed his concerns as a father: “I don’t want my kids asking if I ever put them in cages. If the answer’s nothing, that would be really embarrassing.” His commitment to humanitarian efforts, such as advocating action on climate change in Sudan, further illustrates his view that global issues affect individual lives.

While the Clooneys currently reside in France, they also own properties in Italy and the UK, not to mention residences in Los Angeles and New York.