George Clooney and his wife, Amal, along with their 8-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, have officially become French citizens. The family’s new status was officially recorded in a French government journal on Saturday.
The Clooneys purchased an $8.3 million farm in the South of France in 2021 and have been living there since. George explained in an October interview with Esquire that the decision to raise their children in France stemmed from concerns about Hollywood’s influence. “We’re very lucky,” he said, noting the benefits of a farm lifestyle. “They’re not on their iPads all the time. They have dinner with grown-ups, take their dishes in—they have a much better life here.”
Clooney shared his worries about raising children in Los Angeles, particularly regarding fame and privacy. “I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life in Hollywood. In France, people don’t care as much about fame. I don’t want them dealing with paparazzi or constant comparisons to other celebrities’ kids,” he added.
Earlier this month, he further praised French culture in a radio interview, joking about his struggles with the language despite extensive study. He emphasized the importance of privacy for his family: “Here, there are no paparazzi hiding at school gates. That’s our top priority.”
In a separate conversation with People in October, Clooney reflected on his current contentment: “I’m in a comfortable place. I love my work, have great friends, and finally get to spend quality time with my family.”