TF1 – Accused of assaulting Catherine Davydzenka, Stéphane Blancafort denies the charges and claims self-defense

Removed from filming byHere it all begins Following a violent altercation with his partner Catherine Davydzenka, Stéphane Blancafort has broken his silence. Through his lawyers, the actor disputes the version of events that has been circulating since the weekend. He claims he was insulted and punched in the face before trying to defend himself.

TF1 has removed him from filming as a precautionary measure.

On Friday, July 17, TF1 and Studio TF1 were informed of a "violent altercation" involving two actors from the series Here it all beginsThe incident occurred during filming. The network announced the following day that it had immediately removed the actor involved "as a precautionary measure," reiterating its "zero tolerance policy towards any form of violence." The actor in question is Stéphane Blancafort, who plays chef Marc Leroy in the TF1 daily drama. The other person involved is Catherine Davydzenka, known for her role as Hortense Rochemont. The two actors are also a couple in their private lives. Stéphane Blancafort is accused of violently assaulting his partner, an allegation he now formally denies.

"He was targeted, insulted, and punched in the face."

In a statement dated Monday, July 20 and signed by Céline Bekerman and Antoine Cadeo, Stéphane Blancafort's lawyers assert that the altercation took place at the actor's home. "Following the altercation at his home with his partner, Stéphane Blancafort intends to set the record straight.", they write in the preamble.

The defense presents the actor not as the aggressor, but as the person initially attacked. "He was attacked, insulted, and punched in the face; he was only protecting himself. The actions he is accused of are legitimate self-defense.", continues the press release.

This version directly contradicts the initial accusations made public, according to which Stéphane Blancafort physically assaulted Catherine Davydzenka. At this stage, therefore, these are two conflicting accounts that will have to be examined by the courts.

A witness called by Stéphane Blancafort

The lawyers also claim that their client himself requested the intervention of a third party during the altercation. This witness then allegedly saw part of the events unfold. "It was Stéphane Blancafort himself who called a third party to come to his aid. Present at the scene, this eyewitness will be able to confirm how the events unfolded.""This is according to lawyers Céline Bekerman and Antoine Cadeo. The defense intends to use this testimony to support the actor's version of events and contest the accusations made against him," stated lawyers Céline Bekerman and Antoine Cadeo.

Stéphane Blancafort announces a complaint

Stéphane Blancafort now intends to initiate legal proceedings. His lawyers announce that he will file a complaint and submit the evidence he claims to possess so that the exact circumstances of the altercation can be established. “Stéphane Blancafort will file a complaint and provide the justice system with all relevant evidence. He requests that his presumption of innocence be fully respected and will not allow an inaccurate presentation of the facts to prevail in the public sphere.”The statement concludes. The suspension decided by TF1 remains a precautionary measure. It does not constitute a legal decision regarding the actor's responsibility. The channel has not yet indicated how long Stéphane Blancafort will be absent from filming, nor what consequences this affair might have on his character in the series. Here it all begins.