The appeal trial of Stéphane Plaza opened this Friday in Paris. The 56-year-old former M6 television presenter and real estate agent is appearing in court after being sentenced in the first instance, in February 2025, to 12 months' suspended imprisonment for domestic violence. The proceedings are scheduled to last three days, until July 1st. In the first instance, the Paris Criminal Court found him guilty of physical and psychological violence committed between 2018 and 2022 against one of his former partners, Amandine. Stéphane Plaza appealed this decision. As part of this appeal, the case is being re-examined by the court.
A conviction, an acquittal, and an appeal
The February 2025 ruling upheld the charges against Amandine. The court specifically mentioned physical and psychological abuse, supported by evidence corroborated by the proceedings, including witness statements and forensic examinations. Stéphane Plaza contested the accusations. However, the same ruling acquitted him of charges of psychological abuse against a second former partner, Paola. The court determined, without questioning her testimony, that the alleged abuse was based primarily on her statements.
The plaintiffs face him again
At the start of the trial, Amandine's lawyers emphasized the difficulty their client faced once again in confronting Stéphane Plaza. The plaintiffs hope the proceedings will focus on the facts examined by the court. A complaint filed by Stéphane Plaza for cyberbullying, initially dismissed, is also to be submitted as evidence in the appeal. It specifically targets Paola. Stéphane Plaza's lawyers had accused the Paris prosecutor's office of falsifying the procedure by dismissing this complaint, while Paola's lawyer countered that the cyberbullying occurred after and independently of the violence being judged.
The silence of the defense before the hearing
Before the start of the proceedings, Stéphane Plaza's lawyers, Antonin Gravelin-Rodriguez and Julien Roelens, declined to comment. The aim is to have the conviction handed down in the first instance overturned, or to have it upheld, modified, or increased by the appeals court.
A sudden fall
The February 2025 conviction had serious consequences for his television career. M6 announced the cancellation of shows featuring Stéphane Plaza, particularly after acknowledging the court's decision. His public image and that of his real estate network were also severely affected. He rose to fame in 2006 thanks to the show Search apartment or house, then associated with House for sale et apartment huntersStéphane Plaza was for a long time one of the most recognizable faces on M6. Since the affair, his name has become an image risk for part of the real estate network that bore his brand.
A weakened real estate network
The Stéphane Plaza France group had to compensate a franchised agency for reputational damage related to the conviction. Agencies in the network can now change their name to adopt a new brand. Sixth Avenue.
In addition, another case was added: in May 2025, Stéphane Plaza had to pay a fine of 3,000 euros for drug use after 24 hours in police custody.
The trial in Paris will allow for a review of the evidence already presented, a hearing with both sides, and an examination of the points contested by both the defense and the plaintiffs. The decision expected at the end of the hearing will determine whether the initial conviction is upheld, modified, or overturned.
