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actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney was awarded French The French government said on Wednesday it was because “they have contributed to France’s international influence and cultural promotion through outstanding actions” and defended their naturalization against questions raised by a junior French minister.
The naturalization of the Kentucky-born star of the “Oceans” heist film series, his wife and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and their twins Ella and Alexandre was announced over the weekend in the Gazette Official, published by French government decree.
Deputy Interior Minister Marie-Pierre Vedreine expressed concern on Wednesday that some of the Clooneys’ new French compatriots may think the celebrity couple is receiving special treatment. The actor spoke only what he himself described as “horrible, terrible” French.
“The message being sent is not a good one,” Vedreine told France Info broadcaster. “In my view, the issue of equity is absolutely critical.”
The couple purchased a property in France in 2021, which Clooney said is their primary residence. There are several possible naturalization routes for non-French residents in France. It’s unclear whether the 64-year-old actor has retained his U.S. citizenship. His wife, 47, was born in Lebanon, grew up in Britain and was naturalized in France under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The 8-year-old twins were born in London.
this Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Clooneys were eligible for citizenship under French law, which allows foreigners who contribute to France’s international influence and economic well-being to naturalize.
It argued that the French film industry would benefit from the actor’s influence as a global movie star, and said that as a lawyer, Amal Clooney regularly collaborates with French academic institutions and international organizations.
“They maintain strong personal, professional and family ties to our country,” the department said.
“Like many French citizens, we are delighted to welcome George Clooney and Amal Clooney to the national society,” it concluded, adding an “s” to the end of the actors’ names, giving the actors a French flavor.
Vedreina’s superior at the Interior Ministry, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, also defended the decision, saying Vedreina signed the naturalization decree.
“This is a huge opportunity for our country,” he said.
Recently, Clooney said in an interview with the media while promoting “Jay Kelly” that he is trying to teach himself French using a language learning app. He speaks the language very well to his wife and children.
“They speak French in front of me so they can say bad things about me to my face, but I don’t know,” he joked in an interview with French broadcaster Canal+.
French media reported that the Clooneys live part-time in an 18th-century luxury villa outside the town of Brignoles in southern France, where they can keep a low profile and where French privacy laws protect their children from unauthorized photos.
“I’m worried about raising my kids in the Hollywood culture of Los Angeles,” Clooney told Esquire magazine in October.
“I don’t want them walking around worrying about the paparazzi. I don’t want them to be compared to other celebrities’ children,” he said. Growing up away from the spotlight in France, “they ate with adults and had to bring the food in. Their lives were much better.”