The French public prosecutor’s office has requested a six-month suspended prison sentence and a €12,000 fine for television personality Stéphane Plaza in his domestic violence appeal trial. According to the prosecution, while the evidence supports a conviction for violence against one former partner, the claims involving a second complainant lack sufficient legal proof to warrant a conviction.
What are the current legal proceedings against Stéphane Plaza?
Stéphane Plaza, 56, is currently facing an appeal process regarding his conviction for physical and psychological violence. In February 2025, a lower court sentenced the former M6 television host to one year of suspended imprisonment for offenses committed between 2018 and 2022 against one of his former partners, identified as Amandine. During the appeal proceedings this Wednesday, the prosecution requested a six-month suspended sentence with a two-year probationary period and a €12,000 fine, according to reports from RTL Info and AFP.
The prosecutor requested that the court drop the characterization of “habitual” violence regarding the case involving Amandine, seeking a more specific qualification of the charges.
How is the prosecution handling the claims of the second complainant?
The case involves two separate complainants, and the prosecution has adopted a bifurcated approach to the evidence. Regarding the second woman, referred to as Paola, Advocate General Nadine Perrin stated that the available elements were insufficient to secure a conviction. While the initial tribunal in the first instance did not question the woman’s credibility, they noted that the allegations relied heavily on her own declarations. Consequently, the prosecution has not requested a conviction for the facts involving Paola, maintaining that the benefit of the doubt must favor the accused.
What conditions are being requested for the probation?
Should the court uphold the conviction on appeal, the prosecution has proposed specific probationary requirements. According to the office of the public prosecutor, these include:
- An immediate execution provision for the sentence.
- A strict prohibition on contacting the complainant, Amandine.
- A mandatory training course focused on domestic violence awareness.
Why is this case considered atypical by legal authorities?
Advocate General Nadine Perrin characterized the case as “atypical,” primarily due to its origins in a media report published by Mediapart rather than a traditional police filing. While the magistrate acknowledged the significant suffering, betrayals, and manipulation reported by both women, she emphasized that the legal burden of proof remains high. The prosecution’s stance reflects a balance between recognizing the emotional impact on the complainants and adhering to the legal principle that doubt must benefit the defendant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original sentence for Stéphane Plaza?
In February 2025, he was sentenced to one year of suspended imprisonment for violence against one partner.
Is Stéphane Plaza being convicted for all allegations?
No. The prosecution has requested a conviction for violence against one partner, but stated there is insufficient evidence for the allegations made by a second woman.
What is the current status of the trial?
The case is currently in the appeal phase, where the prosecution has finalized its requests for sentencing.
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