In an unexpected twist of cultural diplomacy, French President Emmanuel Macron has entered the fray over Netflix’s hit show “Emily in Paris” potentially relocating to Rome, declaring that France “will fight hard” to keep the series in its namesake city.
President Macron on ‘Emily in Paris’ show relocation in Rome:
“We will ask them to remain in Paris, Emily in Paris in Rome doesn’t make sense,” President Macron told Variety Magazine, sparking a playful international exchange.
Now, here comes the interesting part, as Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri responded on X with diplomatic wit: “Dear Emmanuel Macron, don’t worry: Emily is doing great in Rome. And one can’t control the heart: let’s let her choose.”
‘Emily in Paris’ = 10% tourism hike in France
The stakes are higher than mere entertainment. A recent study by France’s National Film Centre revealed that nearly 10% of tourists chose to visit France after watching movies or series, with Netflix‘s “Emily in Paris” serving as a significant draw. The show, starring Lily Collins as American marketing executive Emily Cooper, has become one of Netflix’s most-watched programs.
Gualtieri later added a more pointed response in The Hollywood Reporter: “I would like to hope that Macron was joking because he ought to know that a production company like Netflix does not take orders from heads of state.”
Cameo role of Macron’s wife in Emily in Paris
The dispute has a personal dimension for Macron, whose wife Brigitte made a cameo appearance in season four. “It’s just a few minutes, but I think it was a very good moment for her,” the President shared, adding self-deprecatingly that he wouldn’t follow suit because “I’m less attractive than Brigitte.”
Despite criticism of the show’s stereotypical portrayal of Paris, Macron maintains its positive impact: “For my own business, it’s a very good initiative,” noting the series is “super positive in terms of attractiveness for the country.”
The show’s creator, Darren Star, has confirmed Emily’s Roman holiday, leaving viewers to wonder whether French diplomatic efforts will influence the character’s ultimate destination.
