‘They’re very snobbish’: Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu admits she has begged ‘stiff’ French viewers to ‘have a way of humour’ about Emily In Paris as she reacts to the present’s backlash
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Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu has admitted she has begged ‘stiff’ French viewers to ‘have a sense of humour’ while watching Emily In Paris amid Netflix show’s backlash.
The actress, 62, who portrays fan favourite Sylvie Grateau in the hit series set in Paris, said French viewers were originally ‘offended’ by the show and believed it ‘took the p*** out of them’.
Philippine, who is French but was brought up in Italy, explained how viewers in the country took the show in a ‘very weird way’ and became ‘very snobbish and upset’.
Speaking to Bazaar, ahead of the highly-anticipated fifth season, Philippine said: ‘They were kind of upset at the beginning because they thought Darren [Star] was making fun of them only.
‘I said, look at what he’s doing with the American character! But they were so offended, they didn’t really see that it was taking the p*** out of everybody.
‘And also, season one was about a character going somewhere and just seeing the obvious stuff. That’s why it’s stereotypical. So, they were taking it in a very weird way. I kept on saying, “Guys, just have a sense of humour, please!” And that’s hard for the French.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu has admitted she has begged ‘stiff’ French viewers to ‘have a sense of humour’ while watching Emily In Paris amid Netflix show’s backlash
The actress, 62, who portrays Sylvie Grateau in the hit series set in Paris, said French viewers were originally ‘offended’ by the show and believed it ‘took the p*** out of them’
‘Now that it’s a huge success, they’re kind of going, oh, OK. But they’re still very snobbish.’
Philippine went on to add that she ‘never really identified with the French’ before she took on the iconic character Sylvie, who she insisted is ‘so much fun’ to play.
The star explained that the ‘bitchy, stubbborn’ character has given her the ‘confidence’ in real life to stop people walking all over her.
Season five of the show, will see Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) split her time between her beloved Paris and Rome as she juggles a new relationship and the responsibility of opening Agence Grateau’s office in the Italian city.
Ahead of the new series, Philippine said she had ‘a lot of joy’ filming in Rome for four episodes and admitted when she returned to Paris she found the city very ‘stiff’.
Elsewhere in the interview, Phillippine, who found fame in 1983, opened up about ageing and admitted she finds it ‘great’ because she no longer ‘needs validation all the time’.
The actress said she found ageing surprisingly ‘nice’ and has found joy taking other roles she wouldn’t have done when she was younger.
Earlier this month, Emily In Paris fans were left in total disbelief as they spotted a major plot twist in promotional images for the Netflix show’s upcoming fifth season.
Netflix released 20 behind-the-scenes photos teasing what’s in store for the series’ titular character Emily Cooper as she splits her time between Paris and Rome.
Philippine, who is French but was brought up in Italy, explained how viewers in the country took the show in a ‘very weird way’ and became ‘very snobbish and upset’
Speaking to Bazaar, Philippine said: ‘They were so offended, they didn’t really see that it was taking the p*** out of everybody’
‘They were taking it in a very weird way. I kept on saying, “Guys, just have a sense of humour, please!” And that’s hard for the French’, she said
Philippine added: ‘Now that it’s a huge success, they’re kind of going, oh, OK. But they’re still very snobbish’
Philippine went on to add that she ‘never really identified with the French’ before she took on the iconic character Sylvie, who she insisted is ‘so much fun’ to play
And while she is away, it appears that Emily’s BFF Mindy (Ashley Park) may be brewing up a romance with one of Emily’s fan-favorite exes.
A photo included in Netflix’s slideshow shows Mindy in a passionate embrace with Emily’s former boyfriend Alfie (Lucien Laviscount).
Emily and Alfie famously split in the season three finale of Emily In Paris, which aired in 2022, as he felt he was ‘second choice’ to Emily’s other love interest Gabriel (Lucas Bravo).
Mindy and Alfie are pictured locking eyes while in the midst of what looks like a sensual dance.
Mindy has Alfie’s face in her hands while he has her leg pulled up high against his body.
Netflix gave fans a better look at the sexual tension between the unlikely pair in the trailer for Emily In Paris season five, which was also released.
Mindy and Alfie look as though they are just inches away from kissing one another as Emily narrates, ‘Maybe I can just let things be, and it will all be fine.’
Earlier in the trailer, a scene of Mindy and Alfie laughing while enjoying a dinner for two plays while Emily talks about the life she once had in Paris and how ‘everything is just going on without me.’
A synopsis for season five released by Netflix reads: ‘Now the head of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city.
‘But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks. Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships.
‘Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.’
The star explained that the ‘bitchy, stubbborn’ character has given her the ‘confidence’ in real life to stop people walking all over her
Ahead of the new series, Philippine said she had ‘a lot of joy’ filming in Rome for four episodes and admitted when she returned to Paris she found the city very ‘stiff’
Earlier this year, Camille Razat shocked fans by revealing she had quit the hit series.
The French actress, 31 – who plays Camille in the romantic comedy drama – took to Instagram to reveal the shocking news with an emotional goodbye post after fans fumed at bosses for ‘destroying the character’.
Camille has played Emily’s pal and love rival in the show since the programme hit the streaming service back in 2020.
Sharing various snaps from her time on the show, she wrote: ‘After an incredible journey, I’ve made the decision to step away from Emily in Paris.
‘It has been a truly wonderful experience, one filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories.
‘I’m deeply grateful to @starmandarren and the entire team at @netflix and @paramountpics for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to bring Camille to life and leaving the door open for her return, as she will always be a part of Emily In Paris world.
‘This character has meant a lot to me, and I feel that her storyline has naturally come to an end. It felt like the right moment to explore new horizons.
Emily in Paris season five will drop on Netflix on December 18
‘I’ve recently wrapped two series: Nero for Netflix and the Lost Station girls for Disney+. I’m also excited to share that I’ve launched my own production company, @tazar_production.
‘We mainly produce music videos and short films for now, but we’re currently developing our first feature film, something I’m truly passionate about and excited to grow.
‘I leave the show with nothing but love and admiration for the cast, crew, and fans who have supported us along the way.
‘Thank you for the beautiful ride.’
‘Emily in Paris’ season five will drop on Netflix on December 18.
