A simmering transatlantic feud between Hollywood royalty and a political prodigy has burst back into the open, pitting Maryland Governor Wes Moore against actor and director George Clooney.
The row centres on Clooney's lavish new hotel project in Italy, which the governor claims has come at the expense of a similar venture in his home state.
A Project Abandoned in Maryland
Governor Moore has publicly accused the Oscar-winner of hypocrisy, suggesting Clooney's commitment to his 'beloved' Maryland was cast aside for a more lucrative opportunity in Puglia. The heart of the dispute lies in a planned luxury hotel and restaurant complex in the historic town of Brindisi, a project Clooney is developing with a major Italian hotel group.
According to Moore, this Italian venture is a direct competitor to a project Clooney had initially explored in Maryland. The governor alleges the actor's team had previously engaged in serious discussions about developing a similar high-end resort on Maryland's Eastern Shore before abruptly pulling out to focus efforts solely on Italy.
Accusations of Hypocrisy and Broken Promises
‘He talks about Maryland, he talks about how much he loves Maryland,’ Governor Moore stated, his frustration palpable. ‘But then he takes this project, that we thought was going to be in Maryland, and he moves it to Italy.’
The move has been framed not just as a business decision, but as a personal slight. Moore's comments paint a picture of a Hollywood star turning his back on local communities in his purported home state in favour of a European adventure, leaving a promised economic boost unfulfilled.
Clooney's Lavish Italian Vision
The object of the contention, Clooney's ‘Villa Clooney’ in Brindisi, is far from a modest undertaking. The converted 18th-century palace is being transformed into a ultra-exclusive retreat, complete with a state-of-the-art spa, multiple swimming pools, and a members-only beach club.
This stark contrast between the abandoned plans in Maryland and the opulence of the Italian development has added fuel to the governor's fire, framing the narrative of a celebrity prioritising glamour over his local commitments.
This public airing of grievances signals a significant breakdown in what might have been a valuable partnership, leaving a notable frost between the corridors of political power in Annapolis and the sun-drenched villas of Puglia.
