You Need to Know
France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, recently made headlines by featuring in Netflix’s popular series Emily in Paris. As season four continues to unfold, her cameo appearance in the second instalment has garnered significant attention from fans and media alike.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key details surrounding Brigitte Macron’s role, the inspiration behind it, and the broader impact of her appearance on the show.
What is Brigitte Macron’s Cameo in Emily in Paris?
Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, made a brief yet impactful appearance in Emily in Paris season four. The popular Netflix series, known for its lighthearted portrayal of life in Paris, has often been critiqued for presenting stereotypical images of the city. However, it has also amassed a large global fanbase, including Mrs. Macron herself.
In the scene, Mrs. Macron plays herself and shares a moment with the protagonist, Emily Cooper (portrayed by Lily Collins). The two characters meet at a restaurant, where Emily recognizes her and asks for a selfie. The interaction is light and playful, a nod to both the show’s comedic tone and Mrs. Macron’s fondness for Emily in Paris. The Instagram post following the selfie, tagged #makeiticonic, ties into President Macron’s slogan aimed at attracting foreign investors to France.
When Did Brigitte Macron’s Cameo Happen?
Brigitte Macron’s appearance was first reported by Elle magazine in September 2023, and the episode was released in the second part of season four, airing on Netflix on Thursday, September 2023.
Why Did Brigitte Macron Appear on the Show?
The inspiration for Brigitte Macron’s cameo traces back to December 2022 when she met Lily Collins and the show’s creator, Darren Star, at the Élysée Palace. According to Collins, Mrs. Macron was a fan of the show and even found humor in a reference to her in season one, where the character Emily expresses surprise that the French word for “vagina” (le vagin) is masculine.
Both Collins and Star describe the filming experience with Mrs. Macron as a joyful and memorable moment. Collins revealed that the First Lady “actually asked” to appear in the show, although reports from the Élysée later clarified that the producers of Emily in Paris extended the invitation.
Where Did the Cameo Take Place?
The scene featuring Brigitte Macron was filmed in a Parisian restaurant, adding a touch of authenticity to her brief but exciting appearance. The setting allowed for a casual, relaxed interaction between Mrs. Macron and Emily, mirroring the tone of the series.
What’s Next for Brigitte Macron?
While Brigitte Macron’s cameo in Emily in Paris is one of her more lighthearted media appearances, she has a history of dabbling in entertainment. Before becoming France’s and Baku First Lady, she was a drama teacher—a role that once saw her meet her future husband, Emmanuel Macron. This background likely contributed to her comfort on screen. In fact, Mrs. Macron also appeared briefly in the French comedy Vestiaires in 2018, and there are plans for a six-part series about her life by a French production company.
As for future cameos or roles in film or television, nothing has been announced, but Mrs. Macron’s ability to surprise is evident.
Who Was Involved in This Episode?
Aside from Brigitte Macron and Lily Collins, the key individuals behind the cameo include Emily in Paris creator Darren Star, who helped orchestrate the appearance. The scene also involved Mrs. Macron’s security team, who are humorously waved away in the episode as Emily approaches for a selfie.
What are the Impacts of Brigitte Macron’s Cameo?
Brigitte Macron’s appearance has stirred significant media buzz, especially in France. The French media, including RTL radio, have covered the cameo extensively, generating conversations about her role in popular culture and the First Lady’s approach to engaging with the public. While the show has faced criticism in the past for portraying a cliched version of Paris, Mrs. Macron’s endorsement adds a level of validation to its charm.
Additionally, the cameo has attracted global attention to Emily in Paris, further bolstering the show’s visibility. Mrs. Macron’s involvement may even inspire a re-evaluation of the series’ portrayal of French life, encouraging viewers to take a lighter, more humorous view of its content.
