Netflix's hit series Emily in Paris has sparked a diplomatic tiff of its own, with star Lily Collins finding herself at the centre of a light-hearted political love triangle. The playful feud is between French President Emmanuel Macron and Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, ignited by the show's decision to relocate part of its forthcoming fifth season to the Italian capital.
A European Political Love Triangle
Appearing at the season five premiere in Paris on Monday, Lily Collins, 36, addressed the unexpected controversy with humour. "I never expected in a million years we would be a part of a European political love triangle," the actress laughed, according to Variety. She was joined at the event by show creator Darren Star and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
The row began last year when it was announced that the popular romance drama, which returns to Netflix on Thursday, would briefly ditch its titular city for Rome. President Macron swiftly vowed to "fight hard" to keep production in France. "We will ask them to remain in Paris! Emily in Paris in Rome doesn’t make sense," he declared at the time.
Not to be outdone, Mayor Gualtieri responded on social media platform X with a cheeky retort. "Take it easy, Emmanuel Macron. Emily in Rome is perfect," he wrote, adding a winky face emoji. "And besides, you can’t command the heart: let’s let her choose."
Deepening Cultural Conversations
Netflix's Ted Sarandos framed the series as a significant cultural touchstone. "Emily in Paris has deepened the cultural conversation between France and the world — it even sparked a very friendly rivalry with Italy over which country would claim the heart of Emily," he stated.
He reflected on the show's 2020 debut during Covid lockdowns, noting it provided much-needed escapism. "When Emily first came on the scene, the world was a very different place. We were stuck at home. We were looking for a connection... And Emily in Paris was just the ticket."
The Macron household's fandom is well-documented. The French President revealed last year that he and his wife, Brigitte, are huge fans. In fact, France's First Lady made a surprise cameo in season four, sharing a scene where Emily asks for a selfie and is told, "And my country loves you, Emily."
What's Next for Emily Cooper?
Season five, premiering Thursday, picks up with Emily Cooper (Collins) having moved her marketing agency to Rome and embarking on a new romance with Italian businessman Marcello Muratori, played by Eugenio Franceschini. The pair met last season on a ski trip after Emily's turbulent relationship with French chef Gabriel, played by Lucas Bravo, hit another rough patch.
Despite the Roman holiday, show creator Darren Star has assured fans that Paris remains integral. "It doesn’t mean [Emily’s] not going to be in Paris, but she’s going to have a presence in Rome," he confirmed. The first two episodes of the new season are set in Italy's capital.
The entire saga underscores the unexpected cultural and political ripple effects a global streaming phenomenon can create, turning a show about an American in Paris into a point of friendly continental contention.
