Breaking the Silence: Linda Evangelista Opens Up About Abusive Past in New Documentary
Linda Evangelista, the iconic supermodel of the '90s, has recently revealed shocking details about her tumultuous relationship with ex-husband Gérald Marie, the former head of Elite Model Managements' Paris office.
In the third episode of Apple TV's new four-part documentary, The Super Models, Evangelista speaks candidly about the abuse she endured during her marriage to Marie, shedding light on the darker side of the glamorous fashion world. This revelation comes in the wake of similar allegations against Marie by several other women.
The Glamour and the Pain
Linda Evangelista, now 58 years old, rose to superstardom in the early '90s, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry. However, behind the glitz and glamour, her personal life was marred by an abusive marriage to Gérald Marie, whom she married at 22 when he was 37. The marriage lasted five years, coinciding with her meteoric rise in fashion.
In the documentary, Evangelista opens up about the difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship, dispelling the misconception that it's as simple as saying, "I want a divorce." She recalls, "It wasn't a matter of just saying, 'I want a divorce, see ya.' It doesn't work that way." Despite the abuse, she managed to escape the relationship, emphasizing that Marie knew not to touch her face- the "money maker," as she puts it.
A Wave of Allegations
Linda Evangelista's revelation comes amid a wave of allegations against Gérald Marie.
In 2021, he faced accusations of rape and sexual assault from at least 15 women, including American model Carré Otis and '90s supermodel Karen Mulder. French prosecutors closed their criminal investigation into the allegations in February 2023, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations for incidents that occurred during the '80s and '90s.
Upon learning about the extent of Marie's alleged abuses, Evangelista expressed her heartbreak and solidarity with the other victims. She tearfully stated, "When I found out that he's hurt many, many, many women, he's violated many women...It broke my heart." She credits the courage of these women for giving her the strength to speak out, expressing her desire for justice and a safer environment for women.
Marie's Firm Denial
In response to the allegations, Gérald Marie's lawyer, Céline Bekerman, released a statement vehemently denying all charges, categorizing them as "defamatory and false." Marie maintains his innocence, asserting that he "has never committed the slightest act of violence." He also suggests that these women intend to make him a "scapegoat" for a bygone era in the fashion industry.
Despite Marie's denial, several alleged victims are determined to pursue their claims against him in civil court, and they plan to appeal the French criminal prosecutor's decision. Their pursuit of justice reflects the resilience of survivors in the face of adversity.
Linda Evangelista's Remarkable Comeback
Linda Evangelista's courage in speaking out about her abusive past has shed light on a dark chapter in the fashion industry and empowered others to come forward. Her story serves as a testament to the strength of survivors and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding abuse.
Despite her challenges, Evangelista's career flourished, and she eventually found love and became a mother. In 2006, she welcomed her son, Augustin James Evangelista, with French businessman François-Henri Pinault, whom she dated between 2005 and 2006. Motherhood quickly became her top priority, and she has expressed her fulfilment in being a mother.
A Heartfelt Tribute and a Family Affair
Last October, in honour of her son Augustin's 16th birthday, Evangelista posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, where she referred to him as "My heart. My light." Their close bond is evident, and Evangelista has prioritized her role as a mother above all else.
Recently, mother and son appeared stylishly on the red carpet at the second annual Caring for Women Dinner. The event was co-chaired by Augustin's father, François-Henri Pinault, and his stepmother, the renowned actress Salma Hayek Pinault. The family's unity and support for charitable causes were on full display.
Conclusion
Linda Evangelista's brave revelation about her abusive past with Gérald Marie highlights the importance of speaking out against abuse, even in glamorous industries. Her story serves as an inspiration for survivors and a call for justice. The fashion world is reckoning as the allegations against Marie continue to be pursued in civil court. The voices of survivors are growing louder, challenging the status quo and demanding a safer future for all.
In the face of adversity, Linda Evangelista has not only overcome but thrived, finding love and fulfilment in motherhood while continuing to make her mark on the fashion industry. Her journey from pain to triumph is a testament to her strength and resilience, a story that will inspire future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Linda Evangelista
Q1: Who is Linda Evangelista, and why is she in the news?
A1: Linda Evangelista is a renowned supermodel from the '90s. She is in the news for speaking out about her abusive past with her ex-husband, Gérald Marie, a former executive in the fashion industry, in the documentary series The Super Models.
Q2: What did Linda Evangelista reveal about her marriage to Gérald Marie in the documentary?
A2: In the documentary, Linda Evangelista revealed that her marriage to Gérald Marie was marked by abuse. She shared that leaving an abusive relationship is not as simple as it may seem and that her ex-husband knew not to touch her face, which she called the "money maker."
Q3: Why is Gérald Marie facing allegations, and how many women have accused him?
A3: Gérald Marie faced allegations of rape and sexual assault by at least 15 women, including models Carré Otis and Karen Mulder. These allegations came to light in 2021, leading to a criminal investigation that concluded in February 2023.
Q4: What is Gérald Marie's response to the allegations against him?
A4: Gérald Marie has categorically denied all allegations and, through his lawyer, called them "defamatory and false." He claims never to have committed any acts of violence. He suggests he is being made a scapegoat for a bygone era in the fashion industry.
Q5: How has Linda Evangelista been affected by Gérald Marie's alleged actions against other women?
A5: Linda Evangelista felt heartbreak upon learning about Gérald Marie's alleged actions against other women. She credits the courage of these women for giving her the strength to speak out about her own experiences.
Q6: What is Linda Evangelista's career status today?
A6: Linda Evangelista's career has continued to thrive. Despite the challenges she faced in the past, she remains a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
Q7: Who is Augustin James Evangelista, and how does he fit into Linda Evangelista's life?
A7: Augustin James Evangelista is Linda Evangelista's son, born in 2006. He shares a close bond with his mother, and the two have appeared together at public events. Augustin's father is French businessman François-Henri Pinault.
Q8: What is the significance of Linda Evangelista's Instagram tribute to her son, Augustin?
A8: Linda Evangelista's Instagram tribute to her son, Augustin, on his 16th birthday was a heartfelt expression of their close relationship. She called him "My heart. My light," showcasing their mother-son solid bond.
Q9: Why were Linda Evangelista and her son, Augustin, at the Caring for Women Dinner event?
A9: Linda Evangelista and her son, Augustin, attended the Caring for Women Dinner, co-chaired by Augustin's father, François-Henri Pinault, and his stepmother, Salma Hayek Pinault. The event highlighted the family's unity and their support for charitable causes.
Q10: What is the critical takeaway from Linda Evangelista's story?
A10: Linda Evangelista's story is one of resilience and empowerment. Her courage in speaking out about abuse in the fashion industry serves as an inspiration for survivors and a call for justice. It also emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence surrounding abuse, even in glamorous industries.