The backlash against Emily in Paris has taken another twist that is quite oh là là. One of the stars from the Netflix series is speaking out, and he has a unique perspective on the controversy surrounding the show’s portrayal of the French. Lucas Bravo is a French actor, and he plays one of Emily’s love interests, Gabriel, in the hit dramedy from Sex and the City creator Darren Star.
Upon Emily in Paris’ debut, French critics and viewers alike took issue with the show’s stereotypical portrayal of the French. One of its stars has now weighed in on the controversy. Does he think the issues with the Netflix series are justified? Lucas Bravo shared his potentially surprising thoughts on the backlash, telling Cosmopolitan UK:
I think they're right, in a way. We're portraying cliches and we're portraying one single vision of Paris. Paris is one of the most diverse cities in the world. We have so many ways of thinking, so many different nationalities, so many different neighbourhoods. A lifetime wouldn't be enough to know everything that's going on in Paris.
Lucas Bravo’s take is that Emily in Paris could continue on for a lifetime without being able to do justice to everything Paris has to offer. So far, the Netflix series is just waiting to hear if it will return for a second season. Emily in Paris’ showrunner has sounded relatively hopeful on the topic of returning by sharing his ideas for where Emily would start heading if the show continued.
It is interesting for a French actor to share his thoughts on the backlash. For his part, Lucas Bravo seems to empathize with where critics are coming from after watching Season 1 following its October release. On the other hand, he also indicates that Emily in Paris would have a tough time showing all that Parisian culture has to offer. Is that a defense?
If there is a second season, it will be interesting to discover if aspects of the criticism are taken into account. Emily in Paris’ French backlash is not the only controversy it has caused since its release. The show also took a drubbing from the Chicago pizza restaurant that Emily insulted during its first episode.
Has it hurt the Netflix series’ international standing? Will having two controversies to its name ruin Emily in Paris’ chances of returning? Controversy did not end up keeping Insatiable from airing, although it's worth noting that show only lasted two seasons. As for Lily Collins, she is no stranger to being in controversial Netflix content, having starred in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile.
For now, the only way forward is for Emily in Paris to make some amends. Time will tell if Emily gets the chance. Season 1 of Emily in Paris is currently streaming on Netflix as one of the streaming giant’s 2020 premieres. You can check out loads of other television shows that may or may not cause controversy on this fall’s schedule.
