French president's alleged lover sues tabloid
PARIS -- A French actress suspected of having an affair
with President Francois Hollande has filed a lawsuit against a gossip magazine
for alleged invasion of privacy over
its report.
A representative of Closer magazine says the publication received legal documents Thursday from Julie Gayet and her lawyers. The lawsuit seeks $74,000 in damages and other fees, plus the publication of a summary of any judicial ruling in the case on its front page.
The representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity because she wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the matter, declined to comment further.
Hollande has said his "indignation is total" about the report, but stopped short of saying whether he'd sue.
At his ritual New Year's news conference this week, which drew an overflow crowd, the first question Hollande faced was about the alleged affair – which he didn't deny.
"Everyone can face trials in their personal life," he said. "These are painful moments. But personal affairs should be treated privately."
Hollande has never married. He had four children with politician Segolene Royal, and has been living in recent years with journalist Valerie Trierweiler, considered France's first lady.
Hollande did promise that the status of Trierweiler -- who has often been at state functions with him -- would be resolved before a trip to Washington next month.