French first lady claims court victory in privacy battle

France’s Tribunal de Grande Instance ordered the authors of “La Frondeuse”, or "The Rebel", to pay Valérie Trierweiler €10,000 on Wednesday after upholding her complaint that content in the book infringed upon her right to privacy.

The book, written by journalists Christophe Jakubyszyn and Alix Bouilhaguet, claimed that Trierweiler had simultaneous relationships with François Hollande before he became president as well as conservative politician Patrick Devedjian in the early 2000s.

The book is among several to have been published since the election of Hollande, whose relationship with Trierweiler has proved troublesome for his public image as president.

Trierweiler, who is the first French first lady not to be married to the president, began her relationship with Hollande while she was still married to her second husband. Hollande was then still in a relationship with Socialist politician Ségolène Royal, who is the mother of his four children.

The 48-year-old is often portrayed as a feisty and jealous character and a potential liability to her husband’s “Mr Normal” reputation. A controversial tweet targeting Royal earned Trierweiler the title “The first gaffe of France” just weeks into Hollande’s five-year term.

Trierweiler’s lawyer said she will donate the damages awarded Wednesday to charity. She is also planning separate libel action against the authors.

Devedjian also sought legal action for defamation but his claim was dismissed.

Source: http://www.france24.com/en/20130605-french-first-lady-court-victory-privacy-battle-valerie-trierweiler-book-affair-hollande