George Clooney has been very vocal in his desire to leave a U.S. run by Donald Trump, and that seems to have moved a step closer after the Jay Kelly star and his wife, Amal, have been granted French citizenship. The couple and their children already have a home in France and spend a lot of time there, so it would not be surprising to see the country become their permanent resident in the European country.
Clooney has previously expressed his love of France, particularly noting it for its privacy laws and calling it a better place to raise his children. Speaking to Esquire, Clooney said:
"Yeah, we’re very lucky. … A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it. But now, for them, it’s like — they’re not on their iPads, you know? They have a much better life. I was worried about raising our kids in LA., in the culture of Hollywood. I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life. France—they kind of don’t give a sh-t about fame. I don’t want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi. I don’t want them being compared to somebody else’s famous kids."
The Clooney's own several properties alongside their home in Brignoles, France, including ones in Los Angeles, Mexico, England and Italy, but it seems that much of their time in the future will be spent in France, with the LA home most likely becoming a base for the actor when he is filming in the U.S.
George Clooney Joins Many Stars Finding Life Better Away from America
Warner Bros.
Whether it is for political reasons, rising levels of unwarranted violence, or simply to be away from the frequently toxic press intrusions of privacy, there have been many stars that have found life much more appealing away from the U.S.
After being the subject of controversy, former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi moved to the U.K. in 2024, while earlier this year Rosie O'Donnell moved to Ireland, stating that she would only consider a U.S. return if it became "safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America."
In the last several years, Lily Collins, Fisher Stevens, Eva Longoria, Pamela Anderson, Amber Heard, and more have all departed the U.S., with others making it clear that for the variety of reasons mentioned above, there is always an eye on finding a place that feels relaxed, private and, above all else, safe.
George Clooney seems to have found a safe haven for his family, although he has not personally commented on his new French citizenship, which was reported by the French press. The actor's latest movie, Jay Kelly, is currently streaming on Netflix.
