Fellow debutante defends Apple Martin against "Mean Girl" accusations after Le Bal des Débutantes

Apple Martin recently faced criticism following her appearance at the prestigious Le Bal des Débutantes, where a viral video led to accusations of her exhibiting a "mean girl" attitude. However, fellow debutante Aliénor Loppin de Montmort has stepped forward to defend Apple, asserting that she is "the nicest girl ever."

The 20-year-old made a striking entrance at the event, donning a custom Valentino gown that took an impressive 750 hours to create. The occasion was a family affair, with her parents, Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay's Chris Martin, as well as her brother Moses, also wearing Valentino outfits.

The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing Apple playfully jumping into a photo moment with Loppin de Montmort. While posing for the cameras, Apple appeared to overshadow Loppin de Montmort, which sparked negative reactions online. Many viewers labeled her behavior as rude or attention-seeking.

In response to the backlash, Loppin de Montmort defended Apple in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, emphasizing her kindness. “Apple is genuinely the nicest girl ever! She really doesn’t deserve an ounce of what she’s getting,” she stated. “She was incredibly nice not just to me but to all the debutantes.”

The viral video captured Loppin de Montmort posing in her elegant black gown when Apple stepped into the frame and confidently struck poses. Despite the criticism, Loppin de Montmort continued with her walk, showcasing their camaraderie during the event.

Reflecting on the experience, Loppin de Montmort highlighted that both women were simply enjoying their moment at the prestigious gala, which introduces young women into high society. The event has previously featured notable attendees like Lily Collins and Margaret Qualley.

Despite the initial negative reception, Apple's appearance at Le Bal des Débutantes marked a significant milestone in her social debut, showcasing her integration into elite circles while receiving support from her family and friends amid the controversy.