Was Zendaya’s ‘Snub’ of France’s First Lady a Sign of Disrespect?
Zendaya brought a relaxed take on romantic dressing to Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris, proving once again that she can turn even casual wardrobe staples into a major fashion moment.
The actress attended Nicolas Ghesquière’s Louis Vuitton presentation on Oct. 6 at the Cour Carrée of the Louvre as part of Paris Fashion Week. For the event, she rocked a white tank top with low-rise blue jeans. Over it, she layered an elaborate ivory-white lace jacket featuring dramatic ruffles around the neckline and cuffs. If that coat looks familiar, it’s because Zendaya previously wore the custom jacket during the Paris premiere of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in July. She completed her look with pointed white pumps.
But Zendaya had people talking about more than just her fashion sense when a video went viral of her remaining seated, instead of standing to shake the hand of French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron.
Some on social media called the move a snub and insisted that she should have stood, while others defended Zendaya, arguing that she didn’t need to stand for anyone.
“Stand up! Basic politeness!!” one person wrote, and another added, “It’s a matter of etiquette, a woman should stand to greet another woman … What Zendaya did is so rude.” A third person asked, “She is not media trained?” while another declared, “Bad manners. Basic manners, stand up, eye contact, handshake.”
However, a fifth person saw things much differently and posted, “Surprised at these comments. I literally saw nothing wrong with this video. She is warm and sweet meeting [her].”
Now an expert is weighing in on the clip and why Zendaya remained in her seat. Inbaal Honigman is a body language expert. She has appeared in the media for more than two decades, offering her expertise and perspectives on several pop culture figures for Big Brother’s Little Brother, Elle Magazine, and talkSPORT radio, to name a few.
Speaking on behalf of Casino.org US, Honigman told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Zendaya remains seated while shaking Brigitte Macron’s hand, not as a mark of disrespect, but as an indication of the casual and friendly way with which Zendaya meets the world. She doesn’t recognize Macron, but it would not matter if she did, she’d still shake her hand from her perch. Zendaya did not rise to shake Vuitton CEO’s hand either.”
“The actress appears to be greeting several people, and she uses the same moves for everyone: raised eyebrows to show her enthusiasm, a broad smile to indicate friendliness, and a respectful nod to each person. Zendaya tilts her head slightly to the side, which is a sign of empathy, showing that she leads with cordiality rather than formality.”
Honigman continued, “Zendaya’s smile is genuine and inviting — her cheeks are round and high, lips parted to reveal her teeth. No hidden undertones of unkindness are seen. After shaking Macron’s hand, Zendaya is seen flashing her eyes up at CEO Bernard Arnault, questioningly. She may be wondering whether Mrs. Macron is somehow linked to him or the LV brand.
“In the old-world set of behaviors that would demand that Zendaya must rise for the first lady, it would not fall for Mrs. Macron to introduce herself. Had someone formally introduced the two, their greeting may have also been more formal.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
