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The Clooneys phone policy.

(39 Posts)
Usedtobeblonde Tue 08-Jul-25 18:09:48

It is reported that Amal and George Clooney have a basket by their front door into which all guests must deposit their phones.
This is to protect their privacy, they never show their children in photographs.
I would hope that were I ever to be in their position I would trust my visitors to uphold my rules without confiscating their phones.
It seems a very extreme step to me.

Usedtobeblonde Wed 09-Jul-25 13:36:50

I agree, friends should be trusted and trustworthy.
If you suspect others to have ulterior motives meet them away from your home and your children.
Good friends should be treated like family.

Maggieanne Wed 09-Jul-25 15:12:20

There are sneaky people who, on the pretext of going to the loo, would take photos of someones' home and then put them all over FB

Romola Wed 09-Jul-25 15:53:03

I don't blame the Clooneys one bit. Even friends might not be above making use of pictures and recordings, if only to boast to others.

Aveline Wed 09-Jul-25 15:56:14

Friends are welcome to photograph our home and record conversation but won't be able to sell them anywhere. The Clooneys at home would sell for megabucks! Quite right they don't allow phones in.

AmberGran Wed 09-Jul-25 16:11:10

merlotgran

I would understand their wishes if I were a stranger or infrequent visitor but a friend?
I would be disappointed and annoyed that they clearly didn’t trust me.

They probably do trust 98% of the people who come to their home implicitly. But it would be impossible to insist some people follow the rule and others don't need to - plus at times friends probably bring friends and family that the Clooneys don't know that well. They are probably not a threat either - but it only takes one in need of money to pay his/her debts.

merlotgran Wed 09-Jul-25 16:20:36

They are probably not a threat either - but it only takes one in need of money to pay his/her debts.

Then they’d be even deeper in debt when the Clooney’s have finished with them!

Still, at least they made it to the front door. I bet visitors to a certain Montecito Mansion have to hand over their phones at the gate!

Mojack26 Wed 09-Jul-25 16:29:46

I would'nt be visiting ifthat was the case! If yiu can't trust friends and family that's a sad state of affairs ..Pretentious I think

GoldenAge Wed 09-Jul-25 16:31:18

This is the Clooneys' business but personally I wouldn't do that, any more than I would place a basket by the door with slippers in for people to remove their shoes. I partly understand the need to be the king of one's castle but well socialised people don't need that degree of policing. The next question is whether you actually let strangers into your home. Of course we all do - I think - tradespeople - can we really relieve them of their phones? However, I did once ask a cleaner to turn her phone off as she was always whispering. She refused, saying she had to be available if there were a phone call about her children from school.

welbeck Wed 09-Jul-25 16:49:42

Doodledog

I suspect they absolutely don’t 😂😂.

In circles where ‘staff’ ensure cleanliness, and flooring can easily be replaced there is never a ‘shoes off’ rule. Or so I’m told.

Indeed.
I didn't notice all the big wigs in their finery of sashes and medals traipsing along the red carpet unshod to the state banquet in Windsor castle last night.

4allweknow Wed 09-Jul-25 16:56:00

Not just taking pictures, there could be recording going on. Can't see a problem with their demands.

Ninny123 Wed 09-Jul-25 17:04:52

My daughter had the same experience when she was working in the fashion industry.
She visited Paris Hilton’s home in LA with her team , they all had to leave their phones in a basket my the door - security really . Although she did take a photo of the front door 😂

foxie48 Wed 09-Jul-25 17:26:13

Having a rule that applies to everyone saves the embarrassment of having to ask some to leave their phones whilst allowing others to keep them.

Greciangirl Wed 09-Jul-25 17:47:11

Good idea Astitchintime.