Emily in Paris Star Publicly Humiliated Colleagues?!
27 Feb 2026It seems like Emily has done it again! The fifth season of Emily in Paris premiered literally at the end of last year - and in just 11 days it gathered 26.8 million views worldwide. The series shot up to number one in 24 countries and landed in the top 10 in 91 countries! Honestly, after numbers like that, the question was not “will there be another season?” but “when will they announce the continuation of the series?”. And we already know the answer to that question as well as all the insider details from the set and plenty of juicy facts about the personal lives of the Emily in Paris stars! The passions are boiling there no less than in the series itself!
A Little Italian Passion
In the fifth season, the creators truly took a risk and moved the story beyond the familiar Paris. Part of the events unfold in Rome — with its narrow streets, noisy squares, and the feeling of an eternal movie all around. For the series, this is not just a beautiful picture but a full-fledged plot twist.
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Interestingly, moving the action to Italy allowed the writers to show the contrast between the French and Italian approaches to fashion and business. If in Paris everything was built on cold strategy and status, then in Rome the focus shifts to emotions and family ties.
A Few Words About Love
Of course, we won’t spoil too much because maybe you haven’t had time to watch season 5 yet... but we will hint that Emily’s romance with the Italian Marcello also develops differently than her previous relationships. This is no longer just flirting and understatement but conversations about the future...

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Emily once again finds herself between career and feelings but this time the stakes are higher: she is no longer a naive newcomer but a confident specialist with experience in international projects! As you can see, the writers are moving away from the usual templates of the series – maybe this is also one of the secrets of its success?
Netflix Said Yes - Season Six Is Already On The Way!
The renewal was officially confirmed by Tudum from Netflix. So we can exhale: fashionable looks, romantic dramas, and office intrigues are not going anywhere! The creator of the series Darren Star is already heating up the interest.

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At a December press conference, he admitted that he would like to expand the geography of the project even more... Yes, Paris remains the heart of the story — the title obliges it. But why not give Emily another beautiful European adventure? Or maybe this time she will go even further? We are already intrigued!
What Awaits Us In Season Six?
The main intrigue - will she stay in Paris or go further? Darren Star carefully hints at travel but does not reveal details yet... Judging by how boldly the writers expanded the heroine’s world in season five, the sixth could become even more grandiose! More countries, more drama, more beautiful shots - and, of course, more romance...

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One thing can be said for sure: Emily is not going anywhere. Which means we are once again waiting for office passions and complicated relationships for which millions fell in love with this series literally from the very first season... and it is the perfect time to remember how it all began!
How In 2020 “Emily In Paris” Became A Phenomenon!
The American-French series Emily in Paris from the very start seemed doomed to attract attention. And what is interesting — the project was created by Darren Star — the very same person who gave the world Sex and the City. That name alone caused a wave of interest!
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The premiere took place on October 20, 2020, and the series almost instantly broke into the top 10 most watched Netflix projects. According to its data, in just the first month it was watched in 58 million households! For a romantic comedy — the result is impressive, to put it mildly!
Who Broke Emily’s Record?
Later Netflix recognized the show as the most popular comedy project of 2020. And in 2021 its record was broken by the first season of Bridgerton — 82 million households.

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But it was “Emily” that set the tone for the fashionable, bright and slightly glossy era of Netflix! Moreover, from the very first season the series was appreciated not only by viewers but also by critics!
Prestigious Awards? Yes, Please!
The story about the American Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, who moved from Chicago to Paris for a job at a marketing agency, received... 27 nominations for prestigious awards!

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Among them — six nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award, five nominations for the MTV Movie & TV Awards, and two — for the Golden Globe. Yes, critics argued, and the IMDb rating stopped at 6.9. But almost no one remained indifferent — and for the film industry this is often much more important!
Paris After “Emily” Was Flooded By Tourists!
The series did not just become popular — it influenced the real life of the city. After the release of the show, the quiet Place de l’Estrapade, where the heroine lives according to the plot, turned into a real point of attraction. What can we say if even Emily’s apartment is marked on Google Maps!

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By the way, Emily’s apartment is located on Place de l’Estrapade: to see it, you need to visit the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Tourists massively come to take photos against the backdrop of “those very” streets, dine in the restaurants that appeared in the frame, order special “Emily menus” and visit boutiques where the heroine likes to go according to the plot. But the French themselves do not really like this...
Are The French Against It?!
As Us Weekly writes, local residents sometimes complain about the flow of guests but at the same time acknowledge the obvious: the series brought tangible benefits to business. According to many French people, Paris is allegedly shown too glossy, almost fairy-tale-like — as they joke, as if the city was passed through an Instagram filter after three glasses of champagne.
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The main complaint is stereotypicality. The French in the series are allegedly too arrogant, too romantic or too relaxed, and Emily herself is an overly naive American who conquers the industry in a couple of months without knowing the language.
Hate In The Local Press?
In the local press ironic reviews were repeatedly heard: they say, this is not the real Paris but a fantasy about it. But here is the paradox: it is precisely this “filtered” quality that became part of the success. And the series itself does not claim documentary accuracy...

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It sells a mood — an idealized city of love, stylish people and endless enjoyment of life! After all, we all want to dream about something like that a little, don’t we? Perhaps “Emily” shows not the Paris that exists but the one that millions of viewers around the world want to see. And judging by the views, this filter works.
A Plot That Hooks You Immediately!
According to the plot, a young but determined employee of a marketing agency is sent to “save” the French office. Not just anywhere but to Paris.
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The enthusiastic Emily (played by Lily Collins) instantly dusts off her Instagram, where 48 followers are sadly sitting, renames it to #EmilyInParis — and starts actively posting photos with baguettes, selfies against balconies and hashtags that make her French colleagues twitch...
A Naive American – The Key To Success?
Then everything develops rapidly: the number of followers grows, new friends literally at every corner, romances and men who for some reason immediately pay attention to her.

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Yes, all of this looks slightly absurd, at times naive and even harsh (in the office she is openly disliked — she does not know the language, nor French culture) but at the same time incredibly light and positive. And for this role, according to the creator of the project, Lily Collins was a perfect fit.
Could Netflix Have Stayed Aside?
Interestingly, initially the role was developed for a project for another channel, and the casting took place even before the series finally ended up at Netflix. After the project moved to Netflix, the process accelerated... According to the producers, different actresses auditioned for the role but it was Collins who managed to show that very balance - a heroine who may be annoying but at the same time remains likable.

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This was a key requirement: if the viewer does not believe in her charm, the series simply will not work. In addition, Lily not only played the main role but also became a producer of the project, participating in discussions of the script and character development.
Emily’s Image Was Created In Details
From the very beginning, the team understood that the heroine had to look like a person living on social media. Therefore, much attention was paid to how Emily runs her Instagram — from captions to the color palette of the photos.

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When Darren Star was asked why Lily Collins received the role of Emily, he answered quite simply: she has that very sincere optimism and energy that are associated with the American character. Lightness, self-belief, readiness to push forward — all of this the actress demonstrates naturally, without “playing to the audience.”
A Real Paradox!
At the same time, Collins herself is not a naive tourist at all. Unlike her heroine, the actress has been familiar with French culture since childhood, feels free in a European environment, and is unlikely to look at Paris through the prism of stereotypes.
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That is why her transformation looks especially convincing. She consciously plays a “typical American,” enhancing the contrast. When her heroine, seeing the view from the window of her new Parisian apartment for the first time, exclaims that she feels like the heroine of Moulin Rouge! with Nicole Kidman, the viewer easily believes this enthusiastic spontaneity.
Playing On Contrasts
This contrast - between the real experience of the actress and the naivety of the character - became one of the secrets of success. Collins does not play stupidity, she plays sincerity! As a result, Emily turned out to be not just an “American in Paris,” but a kind of mirror for the viewer.

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Through her excitement, mistakes, and overly loud hashtags, the series shows not so much France as a clash of cultures — light, ironic, and at times very funny. And perhaps that is why her naive lines make you want not to roll your eyes but to smile!
When Paris Is Not Just A Filming Location
If it seems like adventures happen to Emily at every turn — spoiler: Lily Collins had no fewer of them in real life! While working on the series, the actress lived in Paris for a full four months for the first time. Not “flew in for a week and left,” but truly — with an apartment, everyday life, and all the joys and surprises (sometimes not very pleasant ones). As Marie Claire wrote, Lily shared that she finally felt a little bit Parisian and was learning to deal with unexpected problems.

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At one point, the heating and hot water suddenly disappeared in her apartment. Then the elevator broke... Sounds familiar? Very much in Emily’s spirit! And it was exactly these real-life mishaps that inspired the creators of the series – now we’ll tell you how!
The Script Was Written Almost Online!
And here is the most interesting part — Darren Star was writing the script right in Paris! In real time! He observed everyday life, talked to local friends, collected funny stories and details from reality.

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They laughed together, discussed the quirks of French daily life — and scenes were gradually born out of that... There was so much material that it easily covered the entire season! (and now even five whole ones)
Costumes That Drove All Fashion Lovers Crazy!
Of course, you can talk endlessly about Emily’s style. The legendary Patricia Field was responsible for the fashion — and according to Lily, working with her was pure pleasure! She was also the costume designer on the already iconic series Sex and the City!
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The most unexpected (and pleasant) thing — Patricia really asked the actress for her opinion. Even before filming began, she sent Lily selections of outfits, shoes, and bags and wrote: “What do you think Emily would choose?” Lily sat, looked through everything carefully, marked the options. And then in Paris they tried the pieces on together and discussed which look would “work” best. Isn’t that a dream?
Improvisation On The Go!
By the way, Patricia has a special talent — combining vintage pieces with the latest collections as if they were made for each other.

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And once, when a jacket was urgently needed for a scene, she simply took off her own and gave it to Lily. And it fit perfectly. Now that is what I call a level!
A Night At The Opera To Remember
As Marie Claire shared, Lily’s favorite look was the black dress for the scene at the Paris Opera. The scene itself also became special for her. Imagine: night, an empty theater, a majestic staircase — and the feeling that this space belongs only to you for a couple of hours...

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She was wearing an elegant black dress, in the style of Audrey Hepburn. And at that moment, according to Lily, it was not just “filming a scene” but the feeling that your dream is coming true...In the end, Emily in Paris became for her not just a project but an entire life!
Ukrainian Designers Amazed Everyone!
And here is something especially приятное — in the fashionable whirlwind of Emily in Paris, designers from many countries appeared, especially Ukrainian designers. Not just one or two looks “for the sake of it,” but truly many bright outfits that were discussed by fashion media and fans all over the world.
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In Emily’s wardrobe you could see pieces from the Ukrainian designer BEVZA — the brand of Svitlana Bevza has long been loved for minimalism with character. The series also featured looks from FROLOV — this is about boldness and a touch of provocation. Corsets, expressive lines, drama — all in the spirit of France but with a Ukrainian accent!
Headpieces Fashion Lovers Around The World Wanted
And of course, fashion fans noticed headpieces from Ukrainian designer Ruslan Baginskiy in the series. His hats have already become a global hit, and appearing in such a project only increased interest in the brand. In the end, it turned out very symbolic: a series about an American in Paris became a fashion platform! And this is one of those cases where fashion is an essential part of the show.

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Viewers carefully followed not only the relationships between the characters but also the fashionable looks that were often impossible to take your eyes off!
Gabriel In The Kitchen — Not Just Acting!
Of course, every character in the series deserves attention! We learned many interesting things... For example, when in Emily in Paris we see Gabriel confidently running the kitchen, tasting sauces and giving orders, it seems like just good acting.

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His restaurant is an important part of the plot but in reality the kitchen for Gabriel is not just a background and not just a beautiful decoration.... it all has roots in the actor’s real life!
What Lucas Bravo Does In Real Life!
It turns out that the character’s confidence is not only the merit of the screenwriters. Lucas Bravo in real life actually worked in a kitchen. Yes, we were pleasantly surprised too!
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It turned out that at one time, for two months, he worked as a sous-chef. He worked in a restaurant with an open kitchen where guests could watch the chefs. And according to him, it was incredibly fun and even thrilling. That experience certainly added authenticity to his on-screen image.
Mindy And Her Real Voice
And if anyone thought that Mindy’s musical scenes were editing magic, then no. Emily’s friend with the stunning voice is not just a coincidence but a deliberate choice by the creators of the series!

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Mindy is played by Ashley Park, and vocals are her natural element. She did not learn to sing especially for the series, she came to the project with a powerful musical background!
From Broadway To Paris!
Before filming Emily in Paris, Ashley had already made a name for herself on the big stage. In 2014 she made her debut in the musical “Mamma Mia!”, and in 2018 she received a Tony nomination for her role in “Mean Girls.”

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So the live performance scenes of Mindy are not just part of the plot but a continuation of the actress’s real career. And perhaps that is why they sound so sincere! By the way, even the name for Mindy was not chosen by the creator of the series by chance!
A Name That Means So Much...
It turns out that Mindy’s name in the series is not just a beautiful name... Behind it there is a personal story. The creator of Emily in Paris, Darren Star, admitted that the character of Mindy was largely inspired by his close friend. It was she who once opened Paris to him — showed him the city not as a tourist place but as something real, alive, with its own secrets!

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In essence, Mindy became a kind of dedication to that friendship... In the series she also plays the role of a kind of guide: she helps Emily adapt, explains unspoken rules, supports her in the most awkward moments... and that is very symbolic!
What Does The Film “Amelie” Have To Do With It?
As for the main name, everything was simpler… but no less interesting! According to Darren Star, he chose the name Emily because he liked its simplicity and the way it sounded. It is universal and understandable — perfectly suited for a heroine who should feel close to the viewer from the very first minutes.
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But there is another interesting nuance! Star admitted that perhaps subconsciously his choice was connected to the film “Amelie.” There really is something similar in their names... And perhaps it was precisely these associations that added that very “Parisian mood” to the series at the very stage of its conception!
Dream Office? Not Quite An Office!
By the way, the truth about one of the main filming locations of the series is also very interesting! If you ever thought that the Savoir office looked too stylish, too bright, and too… perfect for a regular work routine - you were absolutely right. In reality, the filming did not take place in a marketing agency but in a real Parisian gallery - Galerie Patrick Fourtin.

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Yes, it’s a contemporary art space, not a creative open space! And now it’s clear why every shot in the office looks so perfect. High ceilings, art pieces, light — all of this is not a set but an actual gallery!
When Virtual Life Becomes Reality
Another curious fact: the Instagram account @emilyinparis exists in real life! And it’s not just a formality to promote the show. The account is actively maintained, posting “those very” photos, stylish looks, Parisian views, and has already gathered millions of followers.

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It turns out that Emily’s life on social media runs parallel to the series — almost like a separate reality. The irony is that in the first season, the character had only 48 followers. Today, her page has become a real influencer!
Want To Live Like Emily? Let’s Talk Budget!
Of course, many fans around the world are so inspired by Emily’s life that they wouldn’t mind trying something similar! The series “Emily in Paris” creates the impression that life in central Paris is all pleasure: beautiful streets, stylish cafes, and apartments with a view of the city… But as Vanity Fair reports, such housing is expensive.

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According to the plot, Emily lives in an apartment in a central Parisian district, and such housing really exists but rent starts at 30,000 euros per year and up — depending on size, condition, and neighborhood. For most young professionals, this is unimaginable… unlike in the series!
How Much Does It Cost To Be Stylish?
As we already mentioned, an essential part of Emily’s image is her wardrobe. But now let’s get closer to the numbers! In the series, she wears clothes from Chanel, Hermès, and other luxury brands. Journalists estimate that expenses on clothing and accessories can reach about 65,000 euros per year.

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This includes bags, shoes, jewelry, and various accessories that are regularly updated each season. So being fashionable in Paris is not a cheap pleasure!
Restaurants, Taxis, And Cocktails…
Another expense category is everyday life. In the series, Emily constantly visits restaurants, cafes, bars, takes taxis, and spends evenings at social events. According to Vanity Fair, this lifestyle costs about 6,000 euros per year.

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This amount includes regular expenses on dining out, drinks, coffee, and transportation. Even a short walk with a cocktail in a café can be expensive if you live like Emily!
What Is The Total Budget To Live “Like Emily”?
If you add up all the expenses - the apartment, clothes, and daily pleasures - the total exceeds 100,000 euros per year. And this is without accounting for travel, unexpected purchases, or major expenses.
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For comparison, according to the publication, a marketer with experience similar to Emily’s in Paris earns about 40,000 euros per year before taxes… The conclusion is obvious: the lifestyle shown in the series is financially out of reach for most young professionals in the French capital…
Born In England But Raised In Hollywood
And of course, we’re sure you’d be curious to learn about the heroes of Emily in Paris not only in the series but in real life too! Believe us, there’s no less interesting there! The lead actress Lily Collins was born on March 18, 1989, in Guildford, England. When she was seven years old, her parents divorced, and Lily moved to Los Angeles with her mother. So she grew up already between castings, film studios, and the atmosphere of Hollywood...

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By the way, the actress has very interesting roots — Jewish, English, and German. Perhaps it was exactly this mix of cultures that made her so open and versatile!
Yes, Her Dad Is The One And Only Phil Collins!
Lily knew what fame meant from childhood. Her father is the legendary musician Phil Collins, former member of Genesis and one of the most successful artists in the world. His albums have sold more than 100 million copies!

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But what’s interesting is that Lily never wanted to be “just a celebrity’s daughter.” She has said many times that she tried to build her career on her own, without the pressure of a famous last name. Moreover, in her book she openly wrote about the complicated relationship with her father during her teenage years.
In Front Of The Camera - Since The Age Of Two
Lily’s very first filming experience happened literally at the age of two — in a program on BBC. Of course, back then it was more of a cute childhood appearance on screen than the beginning of a career. Her conscious start happened in 2009.

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She appeared in the series Beverly Hills 90210: The New Generation, and then starred in the film The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock. After that, offers started coming more and more often! And the real global wave of popularity came with the release of Emily in Paris — and here everything came together!
She Could Have Become A Journalist
Not many people know but as a teenager Lily was seriously interested in journalism. She wrote for Elle Girl, Seventeen, Teen Vogue, and even for Los Angeles Times. And in 2008, she tried herself as a TV host on Nickelodeon in a program about the presidential elections.
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For a young girl, this was quite a serious step — and a very successful one. But most importantly, what millions of people around the world loved her for — Lily never pretended that her life was a perfect picture... and she told everything as it is!
Honesty And Support For Important Causes
She openly spoke about her struggle with an eating disorder and about how she learned to accept herself. That’s why for many fans she became not only a stylish actress but also an example of honesty. Moreover, many people note her humanity.

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For example, after the start of the war in Ukraine, the actress publicly supported Ukrainians on her social media. Although when important events happen in Lily’s own life, there are always those who criticize her and don’t let her live peacefully...
Became A Mother And Faced… Hate
Last year Lily Collins and her husband, director Charlie McDowell, became parents for the first time. The couple shared the joyful news on social media, publishing a touching message about the birth of their daughter.

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However, alongside thousands of warm words and congratulations, the couple also received a huge wave of hate... The baby was born via a surrogate mother — and it was precisely this fact that caused a heated reaction online.
So Many Angry People Around…
As Elle wrote, some users began criticizing the couple for the fact that the child was carried not by the actress herself but by another woman. In the comments, people discussed the family’s personal choice without knowing all the circumstances of their path to parenthood.

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The most terrible part was that users accused the actress of “buying” a child, “exploiting” women, and not wanting to ruin her figure, comparing the process to ordering a product. Lily chose not to enter into public disputes and did not react to the negativity at all. But her husband decided to respond to the haters...
Charlie McDowell’s Response
On his social media, McDowell thanked everyone for their support and emphasized that their family is happy and grateful for the arrival of their child. At the same time, he directly addressed those who allowed themselves harsh statements.

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He noted that it is normal not to be an expert in surrogacy. It is normal not to know the reasons why a family might need a surrogate mother. But spreading hate, especially toward a newborn baby girl, is unacceptable, according to him. Many users supported the director’s post, noting that he responded in a very dignified and well-mannered way.
The Love Story Of Lily And Charlie
Lily and Charlie met in 2019. According to Western media, their first meeting happened through mutual friends — and as the actress later shared, there was immediately a feeling of having met “her person.” Just a few months later, the couple officially confirmed their relationship.
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In the fall of 2020, Charlie proposed during a trip to New Mexico. Lily shared that it was one of the happiest moments of her life...
Just the Two of Them and No One Else...
In September 2021, they had an intimate wedding in Colorado — the ceremony took place outdoors, in the mountains, in a very warm and private atmosphere, as Lily later shared herself.

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By the way, their relationship has always been marked by privacy — the spouses rarely share details of their personal life, preferring to keep important moments within the family. And judging by everything, they are doing the right thing!
Scandal Around Emily in Paris: Lucas Bravo Clashed With Colleagues
And now let’s talk about one of those who had a romance with Emily in the series! About the very Gabriel, played by Lucas Bravo, who got himself into a scandal! As Us Weekly wrote, for the actors of the series Emily in Paris, Lucas Bravo’s comments about the project allegedly came as a real cold shower. According to insiders, the team was unpleasantly surprised that the actor publicly criticized the show that made him a star.

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A source told Us Weekly that from his colleagues, rather harsh statements allegedly already sounded: the show will continue “with Lucas or without him.” They also reminded that it is “Emily in Paris,” not “Gabriel in Paris.” But what really happened?
Why Bravo Is Unhappy
As Marie Claire reported, it turns out the 37-year-old actor, who plays the charismatic chef Gabriel, unexpectedly stated that the project supposedly hinders his professional growth… He hinted that the series does not give viewers “food for thought” and did not rule out the possibility that he might leave it.

@netflix.com
For fans, this was a shock: it was exactly the role in Emily in Paris that brought Bravo worldwide fame and status as one of Netflix’s top crushes. But after the controversial statements in season 5, Lucas did appear - so the outcome was somewhat ambiguous…
Breakup With Shailene Woodley
Whether Lucas will continue in future seasons remains in question. And while career changes may be brewing for the actor, in his personal life they have already happened. Shailene Woodley and Lucas Bravo broke up after just six months of dating. The couple had seemed happy: they were often seen together in Europe and the U.S., and the actress’s friends said that with Lucas she found harmony.

@people.com
As recently as August, the couple was spotted in Paris — holding hands and looking completely happy. But suddenly it all ended. The former lovers deleted joint photos from social media and unfollowed each other. Fans reacted painfully to the news: “I’ve lost faith in love again,” they wrote in comments.
Not Like Gabriel
Interestingly, in real life Lucas is nothing like his on-screen character. In the series, his role embodies restrained French elegance: tailored jackets, basic shirts, minimal accessories. But Bravo himself loves fashion and experimentation.

@schonmagazine.com
He chooses oversized silhouettes, complex textures, and, dare we say, runway-ready looks. No “neighborly guy” here — more like an actor with a bold sense of style. So even if there’s a lot of scandalous news around him now, one thing is certain: such a handsome man is unlikely to stay single for long…
Hint About the New Season Already Exists!
As we mentioned earlier, judging by the creators’ statements, Emily barely unpacked her suitcases after Italy, and ahead lies a new location… and rumors in the media already suggest it might be… Greece! As Elle reported, the show’s creator Darren Star cautiously confirmed that ideas for continuation already exist, and the new country will become a full stage in Emily’s life, not just an episodic insertion.

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According to Star, the “Greek hints” are already built into the story of season five, so the move to sunny Greece will look completely logical… So what’s left? Fans can look forward to new adventures, passionate romances, and, of course, stylish Emily on screen!