Laurent Boyer on trial: eight months suspended sentence requested for domestic violence

An eight-month suspended prison sentence has been requested for Laurent Boyer, on trial in Paris for domestic violence and invasion of privacy committed against his former partner. The prosecution also requested a three-year suspended sentence with probation, including mandatory treatment, including psychological care, as well as a €5,000 fine. The verdict will be delivered on May 11.

Aged 68, Laurent Boyer, former iconic presenter of M6 and now suspended from broadcasting on RTL in connection with this case, appeared in court for physical and psychological violence against his ex-partner, but also for identity theft on social networks and the publication of photos of her almost naked.

A relationship described as conflictual and degrading

At the hearing, Manon François, the plaintiff's lawyer, emphasized the accumulation of remarks she described as outrageous, humiliating, and degrading over four years. François also referred to behavior that she considered to border on harassment.

In court, Laurent Boyer denied the charges against him. Throughout his testimony, he spoke in a sometimes disjointed and halting manner. A medical report mentioned during the hearing indicated that Laurent Boyer had been diagnosed with hyperactivity.

Laurent Boyer disputes the facts in court

Laurent Boyer explained that he was, in his own words, deeply in love with his former partner. He stated that she had been the woman of his life, before adding that she had become the woman of his death, echoing a phrase attributed to Claude Nougaro. Boyer also affirmed that he was devastated by the accusations levelled against him.

When questioned about an incident that occurred during a New Year's Eve celebration, in which he was accused of spitting on his ex-partner and shoving her while she was texting, Laurent Boyer replied that he had no recollection of the scene. Conversely, he claimed to remember a moment he described as wonderful.

Laurent Boyer acknowledged, however, that when pushed to the limit, as he put it, by verbal exchanges and insults, hurtful language could quickly erupt. He also admitted that jealousy could lead to wanting the other person to belong to you.

The defense argues for acquittal.

Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, Laurent Boyer's lawyer, argued for acquittal. She described a complicated and turbulent relationship, emphasizing that the plaintiff had also verbally abused Boyer at times.

Following in Stéphane Plaza's footsteps?

Before being taken off the air, Laurent Boyer left his mark on the French media landscape through several programs broadcast on M6, the channel where he worked for over twenty years until 2010. Among other things, he hosted Star Seeds, Our best moments et Frequentstar.

Starting in 2011, Laurent Boyer presented Midi in France on France 3, a daily live, traveling program dedicated to the regions. Laurent Boyer was also among the presenters who hosted editions of the Téléthon. Subsequently, Laurent Boyer adapted Frequentstar for RTL.

Will we ever see him back on TV, or will he follow the same sad path as Stéphane Plaza? We'll find out in the coming months…