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France Grants Clooney Citizenship Amid Language Criticism

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

France granted George Clooney, the actor, and his family French citizenship, drawing criticism.
Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, France's junior interior minister, criticized the decision as a 'double standard' given Clooney's poor French.
New immigration rules requiring language proficiency will take effect.
The French foreign ministry defended the naturalization, saying Clooney and his family met legal conditions and own a property in France.
Other celebrities, including director Jim Jarmusch, are seeking French citizenship.

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Story summary

France granted George Clooney, the actor, and his family French citizenship, drawing criticism.
Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, France's junior interior minister, criticized the decision as a 'double standard' given Clooney's poor French.
New immigration rules requiring language proficiency will take effect.
The French foreign ministry defended the naturalization, saying Clooney and his family met legal conditions and own a property in France.
Other celebrities, including director Jim Jarmusch, are seeking French citizenship.