Zendaya has drawn criticism on social media after remaining seated while greeting France's First Lady Brigitte Macron at the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2027 show during Paris Fashion Week. The interaction prompted debate among viewers about whether the actress should have stood to acknowledge Macron.
The Euphoria star attended the fashion presentation at the Louvre in Paris on 6 October 2026, joining celebrities and industry figures for the unveiling of the luxury fashion house's latest collection. During the event, Macron approached guests seated in the front row, including Zendaya, and exchanged greetings with the actress.
Footage of the encounter circulated online, attracting comments from users who questioned Zendaya's decision not to stand. Some criticised what they perceived as a lack of courtesy, while others argued that her smile, verbal greeting and handshake were appropriate responses in the circumstances. The discussion has since focused on traditional expectations surrounding formal greetings and whether those conventions should apply in the setting of a fashion show.
Zendaya Faces Criticism Over Greeting
The exchange took place as Macron moved along the front row to greet attendees ahead of the Louis Vuitton presentation. When she reached Zendaya, the actress looked towards her and acknowledged her with a smile before the two exchanged greetings and shook hands. Zendaya remained seated throughout the interaction, prompting some viewers to question why she had not risen to greet the French First Lady.
Among the reactions shared online were comments suggesting that the actress needed 'some education' about manners. Other users argued that standing would have demonstrated greater respect towards Macron, given her public position.
The criticism centred on the physical gesture rather than any reported disagreement between the two women. The available footage showed them exchanging a greeting, and there has been no public indication of a confrontation during the encounter. The reaction also brought attention to the expectations placed on celebrities when interacting with political figures and other prominent guests at high-profile public events.
@probreakingnews Zendaya sat front row at Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris on October 6, 2026. Brigitte Macron approached while Zendaya chatted with another guest. Zendaya looked up, smiled, said “Hello, pleasure to meet you,” and shook hands. She remained seated throughout the brief exchange. She also stayed seated when greeting LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. Critics called it a lack of basic manners and disrespect. Defenders noted the casual fashion setting and her consistent polite greetings. #france #paris #zendaya #firstlady #brigittemacron
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Social Media Reactions Differ Over Etiquette
The video prompted contrasting responses, with some users maintaining that standing is a basic courtesy when greeting another person, particularly someone older or holding an official position. For those critical of Zendaya, the fact that Macron is France's First Lady made the greeting an occasion where more formal manners would have been appropriate. They argued that standing would have been a straightforward way to acknowledge her arrival.
Other viewers took a different position, pointing to the setting and the brief nature of the exchange. Fashion shows often involve guests remaining seated while designers, celebrities and other attendees move around the front row before a presentation begins.
Supporters of Zendaya also noted that she acknowledged Macron with a smile and handshake. They questioned whether remaining seated, on its own, was sufficient reason to interpret the interaction as disrespectful.
The differing reactions reflect competing expectations about etiquette in public settings. While some people favour traditional gestures of respect, others consider the circumstances of an encounter when assessing whether a greeting is appropriate. Neither Zendaya nor Macron has publicly commented on the online discussion.
Brigitte Macron Attends Louis Vuitton Presentation
The encounter occurred during Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2027 show at the Louvre in Paris, part of the fashion presentations held during Paris Fashion Week. Zendaya attended as a prominent guest of the French luxury brand, with which she has an established relationship as a brand ambassador. Her appearances at major fashion events frequently attract attention for both her clothing choices and her involvement with the house.
For the presentation, the actress wore a white top, blue jeans and a white jacket featuring dramatic ruffled detailing. She completed the look with white footwear and a short hairstyle. The show presented the latest collection from Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton's creative director for womenswear. The event brought together figures from entertainment and fashion, alongside guests from other fields.
Macron's presence added another prominent public figure to the front row. As France's First Lady, she regularly attends cultural and public events, including occasions involving the country's fashion industry. Her greeting with Zendaya was one of several interactions taking place among guests before the presentation.
Formal Manners Remain Part of the Discussion
The response to the encounter has raised questions about how traditional etiquette applies in settings where formal and informal social conventions overlap. Standing to greet someone is commonly associated with politeness in certain social and professional situations. The gesture may be expected when meeting a person for the first time, welcoming a guest or acknowledging someone in a position of authority.
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However, expectations can differ depending on the occasion, the relationship between the people involved and the circumstances of the greeting. An interaction at a fashion show does not necessarily follow the same conventions as a formal reception or an official diplomatic meeting.
In this case, the discussion has focused on whether Zendaya should have stood when Macron approached or whether her verbal acknowledgement and handshake were sufficient. The encounter has generated criticism of the actress online, but the public reaction does not establish that Macron herself regarded the greeting as inappropriate. No disagreement between the two women has been publicly confirmed.
The incident remains a social media discussion surrounding Zendaya's interaction with France's First Lady at Paris Fashion Week, with viewers divided over the etiquette expected during the brief exchange.
