Julie Gayet privacy invasion case against Closer opens in Paris

A French court was to hear the case brought by François Hollande's alleged mistress,  Julie Gayet, against gossip magazine Closer for invasion of privacy on Thursday. The actress is suing over photos and reports of the French president's visits to their alleged lovenest.

President François Hollande and actress Julie Gayet. Reuters/files

In January the magazine published photos of Gayet and a motorcycle-helmeted Hollande entering an apartment steps from the presidential palace.

The story caused a media storm and the eventual separation of Hollande and Valérie Trierweiler, with whom he was living.

Hollande himself denounced the story but did not file a lawsuit.

Gayet, however, announced she would sue the magazine, seeking 50,000 euros in damages and 4,000 euros in legal fees for invading her privacy.

The 41-year-old actress has also filed a criminal complaint against the photographer, Sebastien Valiela, for breach of privacy, which could mean up to a year in jail and a  45,000-euro fine.

If she wins, she also wants Closer to publish the decision on its cover.

Contacted by RFI, the magazine declined to comment.

Its editor earlier defended the story,claiming it was providing information of public interest.