Key Highlights
- A viral clip from the Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week finale shows Zendaya greeting French First Lady Brigitte Macron while remaining seated.
- The interaction occurred alongside LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault at the Cour Carrée du Louvre.
- Social media users are divided over the exchange, with some criticizing Zendaya’s etiquette and others defending the award-winning actor for being caught off-guard.
Front-Row Encounter at Paris Fashion Week Sparks Online Debate
Hollywood star Zendaya found herself at the center of an unexpected online etiquette debate following her appearance at the Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week finale on October 6 at the Cour Carrée du Louvre. While fashion enthusiasts widely praised her outfit—a white ruffled jacket recycled from the Challengers press tour—social media discussions quickly pivoted toward a front-row interaction involving French First Lady Brigitte Macron and LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault.
The controversy stems from a video originally published by Paris Match on TikTok capturing the moments before the runway presentation began. In the footage, Zendaya remains seated as she greets Bernard Arnault with a handshake. After concluding their exchange, the actor turns her attention in the opposite direction to greet another attendee. Standing directly behind Bernard Arnault is Brigitte Macron, who attempts to catch the performer’s attention.
The Viral Interaction Between Zendaya and Brigitte Macron
In the audio from the viral clip, Brigitte Macron can be heard saying: Hello, Bonjour. Bonjour,
as she moves along the front row. Within moments, Zendaya notices the French First Lady, smiles, offers a friendly greeting, and reaches out to shake hands with a polite nod while remaining in her chair. Following the cordial exchange, Brigitte Macron walked past to take her assigned seat on the other side of Bernard Arnault.
Despite the cordial nature of the handshake, critics on social media quickly labeled the moment as painful to watch
and suggested the Dune and Spider-Man star showed a lack of proper protocol. Observers argued that standard decorum required standing up to greet dignitaries and heads of state, leaving comments such as: Zendaya, you stand up!!!
Another commenter chimed in with: Girllll they are the owners,
while another user wrote: Zendaya girl… you gotta get up when the First Lady of France is trying to say hello to you.
Fans Defend Zendaya Amid Etiquette Scrutiny
Conversely, numerous fans and observers rallied behind Zendaya, pointing out that she was seated in a crowded, high-energy environment and appeared genuinely caught off-guard rather than intentionally disrespectful. Some suggested that she might not have immediately recognized the French First Lady or realized she was waiting to say hello.
Defenders voiced their perspectives online, with one noting: Zendaya 100 percent did not know who that was.
Another commenter explained: I think she’s a little nervous y’all,
adding, It’s not a deal breaker not to stands when greeting people, but I agree that it’s more polite.
Many dedicated followers dismissed the backlash entirely, insisting that Zendaya can do no wrong.
Representatives for Zendaya were contacted for comment regarding the reaction to the video.
Why This Matters
High-profile fashion week presentations consistently blend entertainment royalty with global business moguls and political figures. At flagship events like the Louis Vuitton finale, seating assignments frequently place Hollywood stars directly adjacent to influential leaders like LVMH patriarch Bernard Arnault and First Lady Brigitte Macron. Because front-row interactions are heavily documented and broadcast across social media platforms within seconds, even brief, routine exchanges are subjected to intense scrutiny regarding diplomatic protocol, celebrity etiquette, and public decorum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the interaction between Zendaya and Brigitte Macron take place?
The encounter occurred in the front row of the Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week finale at the Cour Carrée du Louvre in Paris, France.
What caused the online debate regarding Zendaya’s etiquette?
The debate arose after a viral TikTok video showed Zendaya shaking hands with French First Lady Brigitte Macron while remaining seated in her chair, leading some viewers to argue that standard manners dictated she should have stood up.
Who else was involved in the front-row greeting?
Bernard Arnault, the chairman and chief executive officer of luxury conglomerate LVMH, was seated next to Zendaya and was greeted immediately before Brigitte Macron.
