Lily Collins has addressed the unexpected "feud" that has erupted between Paris and Rome over the setting of Emily in Paris Season 5. The hit Netflix rom-com's upcoming season sees Emily moving to Rome to run the Grateau office, immersing herself in the Italian "dolce vita" with a new boyfriend, Marcello. This shift has sparked a playful rivalry, even drawing reactions from French President Emmanuel Macron and Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri.

At the Season 5 premiere in Paris, Collins expressed her surprise at the international debate surrounding the show. "I never expected in a million years we would be part of a European political love triangle," she told the crowd. She addressed the situation with humor, emphasizing that the moment felt genuine and not a PR stunt.

The rivalry began when Macron reportedly joked about keeping the series in Paris. Rome's mayor responded, adding fuel to the fire. Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, characterized it as a "very friendly rivalry," highlighting the attention the series commands.

The first two episodes of Season 5 are set entirely in Rome. Creator Darren Star has assured fans that Paris remains important to the story and that the show will return to the city later in the season. Collins also filmed scenes in Rome for the show. She noted a difference in the filming environment, highlighting the passionate approach of the Italian crew.

Collins also shared how filming in Rome allowed her to channel Audrey Hepburn's on-screen Italian adventure in "Roman Holiday". She explained that exploring Rome was a new adventure for her as well, and it felt like a vacation mode for Emily.

Other cast members, including Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Ashley Park, also attended the Paris premiere. Leroy-Beaulieu described her character Sylvie's arc as softer and more exposed, while Park noted that the writing has grown sharper, with choices now carrying more consequences.

All ten episodes of Emily in Paris Season 5 are set to launch on December 18. The season promises a focus on growth, choice, and change, with the location debate adding an unexpected layer to the series' narrative. Despite Emily's new Roman address, the show's core themes and character development remain central.