The French President Francois Hollande's problems seem to be exacerbating. After reports of an alleged affair with actress Julie Gayet, the French media now reports that the apartment in which the love birds conducted their tryst has associations with the Corsican Mafia.
The apartment where Hollande, 59, met Gayet, 41, was lent by her friend who has links with the mafia. The flat is in the name of Michel Ferracci, the ex husband of Gayet's friend, Emmanuelle Hauck, who lent her the flat. Ferraci was given an 18-month suspended sentence for a money-laundering case last November, reported The Mirror. Hauck, however, said that her former husband Ferracci never owned, rented or stayed in the apartment She also threatened to take legal action for defamation.
However, it was clarified that after the separation with Ferracci, Hauck stayed with François Masini, who had links with the Corsican mafia and was shot dead last May in an underworld killing, reported the British tabloid.
Hollande and Gayet have been making headlines after a French magazine 'Closer' published a report claiming that they both were involved in a romantic relationship. The tabloid also featured photos of the French President and the actress meeting at the apartment at Paris' 8th Arondissement. Following the allegation, Hollande threatened to sue the magazine for breach of privacy.
The affair has drawn criticism from the opposition in the country. Jean-François Copé, president of the Union for a Popular Movement party, said that the affair was "disastrous for the image of the presidential role," reported The Guardian.
Citing French newspaper 'Le Parisien,' the Guardian further reported that Hollande's longtime partner and former journalist Valerie Trierweiler was ready to forgive Hollande.
Trierweiler was admitted to hospital over the weekend after reports of the alleged affair of Hollande and Gayet surfaced.
Gayet is a French actress who has appeared in at least 50 movies. She has two children and was seen in ad campaigns for Hollande during the 2012 elections.
