Actor George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their twin children, Alexander and Ella, have been granted French citizenship, according to official government documents released over the weekend. A gazette notice listing recent naturalisations confirmed that the Clooney family is among those awarded French nationality.
Clooney, a United States citizen, and Amal Clooney, a British-Lebanese human rights lawyer, have maintained close ties with France for years. The couple’s primary residence is a farm in the country, although they also keep homes in England and near Clooney’s extended family in Kentucky. Their long-term presence and integration reportedly supported their successful citizenship application.
Speaking earlier this year, Clooney reflected on his lifestyle choice, noting a return to rural living after growing up in Kentucky. He said that life on a farm now offers him and his family a sense of normalcy, which he considers increasingly rare for public figures. As a result, France has emerged as a central base for the family.
Moreover, Clooney has repeatedly voiced concerns about raising children in Hollywood. In previous interviews, he said the culture of fame in Los Angeles could negatively affect his children’s upbringing. By contrast, he described France as largely indifferent to celebrity status, which allows his children to grow up without constant public scrutiny.
In addition, Clooney has actively campaigned for his family’s privacy. In 2021, he urged international media outlets to avoid publishing photographs of his children, citing safety and ethical concerns. France’s strict privacy laws appear to align closely with these priorities.
Under French law, photographing individuals in private settings or publishing personal details is illegal, while images of public figures in public spaces face heavy restrictions unless linked to official duties. Legal experts have noted that celebrities in France can pursue civil damages against intrusive paparazzi, a practice that has significantly reduced aggressive photography.
Consequently, the Clooney family’s naturalisation reflects not only personal ties to France but also a broader commitment to privacy and stability away from Hollywood.
