George Clooney Cites Better Life for Children as Reason for Move to France
Actor George Clooney revealed today that he and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, chose to establish a primary residence in France to provide their eight-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, with a more grounded upbringing than would be possible in the United States.
In a newly published interview with Esquire magazine, Clooney explained his concerns about raising his children within the “culture of Hollywood,” stating, “I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life.” He added, “France – they kind of don’t give a shit 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 Clooneys now live on a farm, a setting Clooney ironically disliked as a child, but now values for its ability to keep his children away from excessive screen time and instill a sense of responsibility.
Clooney, whose father was a local television news anchor, also expressed relief that the significant age gap between himself and his children would likely prevent direct comparisons to his own career. He noted, “The only thing I feel lucky about is that I’m so much older that the idea that my son would be compared to me is pretty unlikely, because by the time he actually will have done anything, I’m gonna be gumming my bread.” This decision comes amidst heightened scrutiny of Amal Clooney’s work with the International Criminal Court, as she and other legal counsels were recently warned by foreign officials about potential sanctions from the Trump administration.
The actor also reflected on past struggles with alcohol and cocaine in the 1980s, and the pressures of returning to the stage in a recent Broadway production of Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney is currently promoting his latest film, in which he plays a character mirroring his own life and career. The move to France underscores the growing trend of high-profile individuals seeking greater privacy and a different lifestyle for their families.
Officials have not commented on the Clooneys’ relocation, but continue to monitor the situation surrounding potential sanctions against those associated with the ICC, as reported by Reuters.
