19 September 2023 , 22:10
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Linda Evangelista has claimed her former husband, Gérald Marie abused her during their five-year marriage – which he denies.
The original supermodel and the former model and head of Elite Model Management's Paris office married in 1987 but divorced just six years later in 1993. Linda's former husband Gérad was also accused of committing rape and sexual assaults during the 1980s and 1990s – claims which he has denied. French prosecutors closed the investigation earlier this year due to the statute of limitations.
Now Linda, 58, has shed light on their marriage for the first time in an Apple TV+ titled The Super Models, which she stars in alongside her fellow "originals", Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford.
The Canadian-born model said: "I learned that maybe I was in the wrong relationship. It's easier said than done to leave an abusive relationship. I understand that concept because I lived it. If it was just a matter of saying, 'I want a divorce, see ya'... it doesn't work that way.
Linda Evangelista claims her ex-husband Gérald Marie abused her during their marriage (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
The original supermodel said she sensed fear which prevented her from speaking out (Matt Baron/BEI/REX/Shutterstock)"He knew not to touch my face, not to touch the money-maker, you know." The mum-of-one continued: "I married him when I was 22 and I got out when I was 27 and he let me out as long as he got everything. But I was safe and I got my freedom." Discussing why she hadn't spoken about her story before, Linda said she sensed fear but "thanks to the power of all these women coming forward, God bless all of them, it gave me the courage now to speak."
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She went on to add that allegations from other women had broken her heart, before saying: "I would love that justice be served. I would love for a–holes like that to think twice and be afraid and I would love women to know that they're not alone."
In a statement shared with Apple TV+, Marie denied all allegations made by Linda and said that he "has never committed the slightest act of violence". But speaking to the Guardian's weekend magazine about the allegations her former husband faced, Linda recently said: "Hearing them [the alleged victims] now, and based on my own experiences, I believe that they are telling the truth.
"It breaks my heart because these are wounds that may never heal, and I admire their courage and strength for speaking up today."
In a statement following the news that French prosecutors had closed his case, Marie's lawyer said: "The justice system has finally triumphed despite the outrageous media campaign that Gérald Marie has suffered for two years. With this decision, it is now established that Gérald Marie is, and will remain, innocent."
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk