Star TV host and real estate agent Stéphane Plaza, who was due to appear before the Paris judicial court on Wednesday 28 August for violence against two former partners, will be absent from the hearing for reasons of “mental health”.
Stéphane Plaza had a medical certificate dated August 22 added to the file. A document that BFMTV was able to consult and in which it is indicated that “Stéphane Plaza presents significant psychological manifestations against a background of severe depressive symptoms (massive anxiety, dark thoughts, sleep disorders).”
“A protected hospitalization would be a favorable option, continues this document. Stéphane Plaza has already contacted clinics.”
“Although he wanted to be there, we had to prioritize preserving his mental health.”explained one of his lawyers, Me Hélène Plumet, contacted by AFP.
According to her, the “clinical psychologist” the host told him “strongly discouraged”and go to court “given the risk of psychological decompensation linked to media pressure and the harassment and attempted blackmail he has recently suffered”.
“Psychologically ill”
The presenter had asked, this Tuesday afternoon, August 27, to be represented by his lawyers at the hearing. “Even his doctors are reluctant to let him appear.”one of his relatives had reported to BFMTV. “He is in a very bad psychological state because of this affair.”
The hearing before the Paris Criminal Court is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The presenter’s lawyers, Hélène Plumet and Carlo Alberto Brusa, plan to file two priority questions of constitutionality (QPC) as well as exceptions of nullity concerning procedural questions.
If the court retains one or other of the QPCs to transmit it to the Court of Cassation, the trial could be postponed to a later date. Whatever happens, “we are ready”assured Me Plumet, who intends to plead for his client’s acquittal if the QPCs are not upheld.
Stéphane Plaza, 54, popularized by his various shows on M6, is being prosecuted for “habitual physical and/or psychological violence by a partner” between August 2018 and April 2022 on one of his former partners, as well as for “habitual psychological violence by a partner” on another woman between December 2021 and September 2022.
A total incapacity for work (ITT) of more than eight days was established for these two women, Amandine B. and Irma Paola R., following this violence. One of the QPCs disputes the method of calculating the number of ITTs granted to the complainants.
In the event of an ITT exceeding eight days, the defendant is liable to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros. The penalty incurred is 5 years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros for an ITT of less than eight days.
The presenter, under judicial supervision, denies the accusations made against him. During his police custody last March, he had “clearly reiterated that he was not violent, had not been violent and never would be violent”his lawyers reacted at the time.
Stéphane Plaza was the victim of a “incriminating investigation” from a “coalition between women”Me Plumet told AFP.
“Problematic behaviors”
The accusations against Stéphane Plaza began in September 2023, with the publication by Mediapart of the testimonies of three former partners, who denounced “humiliation, threats, verbal violence and, for two of them, physical violence”.
The investigative site also mentioned “problematic behaviors” from the host in a professional context. The public prosecutor opened an investigation into domestic violence in October 2023, after receiving letters from two ex-partners of Mr. Plaza alleging “violence” committed during their relationship.
Initially a real estate agent, Stéphane Plaza became a star of the small screen when M6 propelled him in 2006 to the head of the show “Recherche appartement ou maison” then “Maison à vendre” (2007) and “Chasseurs d’appart'” (2015).
The outgoing boss of M6 Nicolas de Tavernost (he has since joined the media division of CMA CGM) had assured that the channel would take its “responsibilities” regarding Stéphane Plaza, depending on the court’s decision.
“On a professional level, there is no criticism that could justify his exclusion, that is clear and simple.”Mr. de Tavernost assured in April. One of the French people’s favorite presenters, he is one of M6’s sure bets, bringing together several million viewers with his various programs.
In January 2022, the M6 group became the majority shareholder of its network of real estate agencies, which has some 660 franchises across France.