Former supermodel Linda Evangelista backs women accusing her ex-husband of rape and sexual misconduct
FORMER supermodel Linda Evangelista has spoken out in support of women who have accused her ex-husband of rape and sexual misconduct.
She said she believes the women who have made the allegations are telling the truth.
Evangelista, 55, also praised their “courage and strength” for speaking out about Gérald Marie, 70.
He is the former European president of the Elite model agency which at the time represented Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer.
Marie and Evangelista, who has appeared on more than 700 magazine covers, were married for six years between 1987 and 1993.
Prosecutors in France are investigating claims including rape from four women in the 1980s and 1990s.
Among those to come forward was US model Carré Otis who claims she was 17 when she was repeatedly raped by Marie in the spare room of his apartment in 1986.
Evangelista said: “During my relationship with Gérald Marie, I knew nothing of these sexual allegations against him, so I was unable to help these women.
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“Hearing them now, and based on my own experiences, I believe that they are telling the truth.”
Speaking to the Guardian, she added: “It breaks my heart because these are wounds that may never heal, and I admire their courage and strength for speaking up today.”
Marie strongly denies all the accusations.
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