'Stand Up, Girl!': Zendaya Branded 'Rude' for Staying Seated While Greeting France's First Lady at Louis Vuitton Show

Zendaya has been branded 'rude' by some social-media users after appearing to remain seated while greeting France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, at the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week.

A video shared by Paris Match shows Macron approaching Zendaya in the front row of Tuesday's Louis Vuitton show at the Louvre. The actress remains seated while saying 'hello, pleasure to meet you' and shaking Macron's hand, prompting an online debate over whether she should have stood up.

The criticism has centred on etiquette rather than the interaction itself, with other viewers defending Zendaya and arguing that the brief encounter did not warrant such a strong reaction.

Zendaya Criticised for Staying Seated

Several commenters accused Zendaya of lacking manners after watching the footage. 'I love Zendaya, but this is a classic display of lack of home training,' one commenter wrote, arguing that people should stand when greeting someone who is already standing.

Another told Zendaya, 'girl next time at least stand up!', while another said: 'Greeting the First Lady is simply a matter of politeness and good manners.'

French publication Public also reported on the backlash, noting that several social-media users questioned why Zendaya had not risen to greet Macron. Some commenters also speculated about why Zendaya remained seated, with one suggesting the actress may not have recognised Macron.

However, the criticism remains a matter of personal opinion. The video shows Zendaya acknowledging Macron, speaking to her and shaking her hand rather than ignoring her.

Viewers Defend Zendaya

Not everyone watching the encounter believed the actress had behaved improperly. One commenter argued that Zendaya may have been caught off guard and did not need to 'rush to stand up' when someone approached her unexpectedly.

Another wrote: 'We're never winning the class war wtf (what the f*ck) does she need to stand', while another said the interaction was not a 'deal breaker' even though standing would have been more polite.

The divided response has turned a brief greeting into one of the talking points surrounding the Louis Vuitton show, with viewers debating whether traditional etiquette should apply in a relaxed fashion-show setting.

Louis Vuitton Show at the Louvre

The interaction took place as Louis Vuitton presented its Spring/Summer 2027 collection at the Cour Carrée of the Louvre on Tuesday, 6 October, where Zendaya had a front-row seat. According to The Independent, the show was staged as a futuristic racetrack, with creative director Nicolas Ghesquière transforming the historic courtyard with concept cars and runway elements.

Zendaya, a Louis Vuitton ambassador, also drew attention for her newly cropped pixie hairstyle, which she debuted at the Emmy Awards in September. She joined other major celebrities at the show as Paris Fashion Week drew to a close.

Brigitte Macron Joins Front Row Stars

Macron was among the high-profile guests at the Louis Vuitton show, where she was pictured greeting Zendaya.

The French First Lady attended the event, which also drew international celebrities including Emma Stone, Saoirse Ronan and K-pop star Felix. At the same time, the collection focused on lightweight fabrics, fluid silhouettes and designs intended to respond to a warming climate.

The video of Macron greeting Zendaya has since drawn attention beyond the fashion show, prompting a wider debate over manners and celebrity etiquette.