Here's a parenting decision that's sparking heated debates: Is fleeing Hollywood the only way to raise grounded kids?
George Clooney has made a bold choice for his 8-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander—he's relocated them to France, far from the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. His reasoning? To ensure they have what he calls "a fair shake at life," something he believes would be impossible in the heart of Hollywood's celebrity culture.
In a candid conversation with Esquire magazine that went live this Monday, the acclaimed actor opened up about this major life decision. "You know, we live on a farm in France. A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it," Clooney revealed, reflecting on his own childhood experiences.
But here's where it gets interesting... Despite his own childhood resistance to farm life, he now sees it as the perfect environment for his children. "But now, for them, it's like — they're not on their iPads, you know? They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in," he explained. "They have a much better life."
The decision wasn't made lightly. Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney—a renowned international human rights attorney—had serious concerns about what raising children in Los Angeles would mean for their development. "We were worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood," the actor admitted without hesitation.
He elaborated on his fears: "I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life." So why France specifically? According to Clooney, the French have a refreshingly different attitude toward celebrity status. "France — they kind of don't give a shit about fame," he stated bluntly. "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."
And this is the part most people miss... The Clooneys aren't just relying on geography to protect their children's privacy and normalcy. They've implemented some pretty extreme measures at home as well.
Both George and Amal have been remarkably consistent about the extraordinary steps they take to shield their twins from the spotlight and provide them with as normal a childhood as possible. In an interview with Glamour magazine published earlier this year, Amal disclosed a house rule that might shock some people: she and George actually confiscate guests' phones when they visit their home.
"Creating private moments and spaces is becoming increasingly difficult. But that's also why we entertain a lot at home," Amal explained to the publication. She went on to reveal her method: "I have a phone basket that I use to take everyone's phones away."
For Amal, this isn't about being controlling—it's about creating genuine connection. "It's important to get that balance where you have time alone with your family and with your friends where people feel like you can have a safe and frank exchange," the human rights lawyer clarified. She emphasized that both she and George are doing "the best we can to minimize any impact on our children."
The couple's commitment to privacy extends to their public presence as well. "We don't put our children out there, we've never put their photo out there or anything like that," Amal stated firmly, drawing a clear boundary between their public personas and their children's right to privacy.
But here's the controversial question nobody's asking: Is this level of protection realistic for most families, or does it create an unrealistic standard? Are the Clooneys setting a positive example of prioritizing children's wellbeing over fame, or are they inadvertently suggesting that only the ultra-wealthy can provide their kids with a "fair shake at life"?
Some might argue that moving to another country and taking guests' phones is excessive. Others might say it's exactly what responsible celebrity parents should be doing. There's also the question of whether shielding children so completely from modern technology and social dynamics might leave them unprepared for the real world they'll eventually face.
What do you think? Are George and Amal Clooney being admirably protective parents, or is this approach too extreme? Could their children actually be missing out on important experiences by being so isolated from contemporary culture? And let's be honest—is the "farm life equals better life" narrative really true for everyone, or just a luxury available to the privileged few? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree or disagree with their parenting philosophy?
