France First Lady Brigitte Macron Has A Surprise Cameo In Emily in Paris

France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, has made a notable appearance in the latest season of the globally popular Netflix series Emily in Paris. This cameo, which marks her first time on the show, highlights her real-life persona with the world of fictional Paris.

The Cameo Appearance: A Snapshot of Reality in Fiction

In the second half of the fourth season, Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, steps into the limelight with a brief yet impactful role. Airing on Netflix, the episode has captured attention worldwide. Macron, playing herself, engages in a short scene with the show's protagonist, Emily Cooper, portrayed by Lily Collins, in which they pose for a selfie in a Parisian restaurant. The encounter is lighthearted, with Emily excitedly introducing herself as the face behind the Instagram account "Emily in Paris."

The scene seamlessly integrates a touch of reality, with the Instagram post using the hashtag #makeiticonic, reflecting a slogan from President Macron's initiative aimed at promoting foreign investments in France.

A Presidential Seal of Approval

What makes this cameo even more remarkable is Macron’s genuine enthusiasm for the show. Collins revealed that the idea for the cameo originated after a meeting between the show’s creator Darren Star and Mrs Macron at the Élysée Palace in 2022. Macron, it turns out, is a fan of Emily in Paris, and she was reportedly amused by her mention in the first season when Emily posted about the curious fact that the French word for vagina, "le vagin," is masculine.

"She took the mention in season one with great humour," Collins shared, emphasizing how enjoyable it was to film with the first lady. Star himself also praised her "great talent," adding that her presence lent an air of credibility and curiosity to the episode.

The Fashionable First Lady: Wearing Her Own Style

True to her stylish reputation, Brigitte Macron appeared in the episode wearing her own clothes, opting for a chic and understated look. Netflix confirmed that no specific wardrobe instructions were given, leaving the First Lady free to embrace her personal style. This reflects the larger-than-life fashion influence that Emily in Paris has come to be known for, making Macron's involvement feel all the more genuine.

Interestingly, while some reports suggest that Macron requested to appear on the show, the Élysée Palace later clarified that the proposal actually came from the show's producers.

Brigitte Macron's Acting Background

While her role in Emily in Paris may seem like a one-off cameo, Brigitte Macron is no stranger to the world of drama. Before becoming France's first lady, she was a drama teacher at a secondary school where she met the young Emmanuel Macron, then a 15-year-old student in her class. This shared love for the arts continues to influence her public life.

Macron also previously appeared in the 2018 French comedy series Vestiaires, which followed the lives of two swimmers with disabilities. Her cameo in Emily in Paris is a continuation of her engagement with the media and entertainment worlds. 

Moreover, earlier this year, a French production company announced plans for a six-part series about Brigitte Macron’s life. She has some prominent cultural influence.

Emily in Paris: A Show That Divides Opinion

Since its debut in 2020, Emily in Paris has consistently attracted both fans and critics. On the one hand, it is celebrated as a fun, visually stunning love letter to Paris, filled with Instagrammable moments and fashion-forward outfits. On the other hand, it has been criticised for perpetuating clichés about Parisian life, portraying an idealized, sanitised version of the city while ignoring social and political realities like crime and urban challenges.

Brigitte Macron’s cameo adds a layer of reality to the series, subtly blending fact with fiction. Her presence as a recognisable public figure within a lighthearted romantic comedy may be seen as a nod to the show's playful exploration of modern Paris.

A Series of Mixed Reactions

The latest instalment of Emily in Paris continues to divide opinion. Some critics have slammed the series for what they see as repetitive storylines and questionable fashion choices, while others, like Collider, praised the season's dramatic climax, calling it a "jaw-dropping finale."

Darren Star, the show's creator, has defended the fantastical depiction of Paris, explaining that it is told from Emily's perspective. “The first thing she is seeing is the clichés because it’s from her point of view,” Star explained. He stressed that the show was intended as a love letter to Paris, rather than a documentary.

A Moment to Remember

The First Lady's charm and willingness to engage with the show highlight her relatable persona, while also reinforcing her status as a modern, fashion-forward figure in French society. As the show continues to be a conversation starter, Macron’s appearance will undoubtedly stand out as a memorable cultural moment.