“She truly doesn’t deserve any of the backlash she’s facing,” says fellow debutante Aliénor Loppin de Montmort.
Apple Martin, the 20-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, recently became the center of online buzz after attending the prestigious Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris. A video from the glamorous event stirred up criticism, with some social media users accusing her of being a “mean girl.” But fellow debutante Aliénor Loppin de Montmort is standing up for Apple, calling her “the nicest girl ever.”
The annual Le Bal, held at the luxurious Hotel Shangri-La on November 30, introduces young women from elite families to high society. This year, Apple was one of 20 debutantes to participate in the iconic event, which has previously featured stars like Lily Collins and Margaret Qualley. Wearing an exquisite custom Valentino gown, Apple made her debut alongside her family, who also sported designs by the fashion house.
The viral moment happened when Paris Match shared a TikTok video showing Apple and Loppin de Montmort posing for photos. In the clip, Apple confidently steps in front of the cameras after Loppin de Montmort’s turn, sparking debate online about her behavior. However, Loppin de Montmort dismissed the criticism in a statement to PEOPLE, saying, “Apple is genuinely the nicest girl ever! She doesn’t deserve any of this negativity. She was kind to me and to all the other debutantes.”
Apple’s custom Valentino gown was a showstopper, taking 750 hours to create in Valentino Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s atelier. The strapless blue dress featured six flowing tiers of silk chiffon, a black bow at the waist, and matching blue sandals. This marked the first time a Le Bal debutante wore a gown designed by Michele.
Her parents, Gwyneth and Chris, and her younger brother Moses, 18, all proudly supported her at the event, donning their own Valentino outfits. Gwyneth, in a black gown with delicate polka dots and ruffles, shared her excitement on Instagram, posting photos of Apple in her stunning dress with the caption, “My beautiful daughter in @maisonvalentino.”
The family also shared special moments from the event on social media. Gwyneth posted a carousel of pictures and videos, including snaps of Chris, Moses, and her own mother, actress Blythe Danner, with the caption, “A special long weekend in Paris 💙.”
Despite the online chatter, those who know Apple best are quick to defend her. As Loppin de Montmort put it, Apple’s grace and kindness shone throughout the evening, making her debut one to remember.
