A new season of a popular Netflix show has sparked an unexpected and light-hearted diplomatic spat, pitting the French President against the Mayor of Rome. The controversy centres on the filming location for the upcoming series.
A European Love Triangle Over a TV Show
The fifth season of the hit Netflix romance drama 'Emily in Paris' is set to premiere on Thursday, 18 December 2025. The new instalment sees the titular character, played by Lily Collins, briefly relocate to the Italian capital. This creative decision has ignited what has been dubbed a "European political love triangle" between French President Emmanuel Macron and Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri.
President Macron had previously made his feelings clear, vowing to "fight hard" to keep the series in Paris. He famously argued that "Emily in Paris in Rome doesn’t make sense." His comments set the stage for a playful cross-border rivalry.
The Social Media Sparring Match
Mayor Gualtieri was quick to respond on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He warmly welcomed the character Emily to Rome, directly addressing President Macron's stance. In a retort that captured the romantic essence of the show, Gualtieri suggested the French leader "can’t command the heart."
The show's star, Lily Collins, humorously acknowledged the unexpected political drama unfolding around her character's fictional journey. Meanwhile, the series creator moved to reassure fans, confirming that despite the Roman escapade, Emily would maintain a significant presence in Paris throughout the season.
Cultural Impact and Light-Hearted Diplomacy
This episode highlights the significant soft power and cultural influence wielded by major streaming productions. What began as a simple plot development has turned into a public relations opportunity for both cities, showcasing a modern form of friendly, civic competition played out on the global stage of social media.
The exchange, while tongue-in-cheek, underscores how popular culture can intersect with politics and civic pride in the digital age. Fans of the show are now eagerly awaiting the premiere, not only for the fashion and romance but also to see the Roman backdrop that caused such a charming international stir.
