Former French president Francois Hollande's elusive partner says she shunned First Lady role because it is 'sexist'

  • Julie Gayet, 45, chose to stay out the public eye and avoid state functions
  • The actress started seeing the President in secret during the 2012 election
  • She says she is different to high-profile Brigitte Macron who prefers the office

By George Martin For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Julie Gayet, the elusive partner of former French president François Hollande, has opened up about her refusal to accept the job of First Lady.

The 45-year-old actress told Paris Match magazine she did not want to take up the office because she believed the role was 'sexist'.

'One person is elected. Not a couple. The role of the first lady is sexist. It's a job that forces her to stop her career. What's more, you don't get a salary,' she said.

'Each to their own profession, mine is actress and producer.' 

Julie Gayet and François Hollande attending the funeral of French singer Johnny Hallyday

Julie Gayet and François Hollande attending the funeral of French singer Johnny Hallyday

Ms Gayet began a relationship with Hollande while he was on the campaign trail for the 2012 French presidential election.

But their relationship became uncomfortably public for her after Closer magazine revealed she and Hollande had been meeting up in secret while he was still with First Lady Valérie Trierweiler.

Ms Trierweiler, a journalist, was admitted to hospital after taking too many tranquillisers after the shock revelations.

Hollande announced their separation shortly afterwards.

Following her recovery, Ms Trierweiler published a bestselling tell-all memoir shaming Hollande for his actions - a book widely thought to be responsible for his abysmal public approval rating.

Ms. Gayet first met Hollande on the campaign trail for the French presidential election in 2012

Ms. Gayet first met Hollande on the campaign trail for the French presidential election in 2012

In the wake of the scandal, Ms Gayet said she wanted her relationship with the Socialist former leader to be more discreet.

She took the decision to live at the Elysée Palace but chose to remain out of the public eye and avoid official functions altogether.

Speaking during the candid interview, Ms. Gayet said that instead of acting like a traditional First Lady, she chose to see herself as 'the queen of hearts, being at the side of the president without ever taking the position'.  

Paying tribute to her partner Hollande, Gayet said: 'I love his way of thinking, the way he is, his sense of humour.

'François likes the women in his life to be free, strong and independent,' she added. 

Hollande's previous partner and mother of their four children, Ségolène Royal, served as one of his most senior cabinet ministers.

She left him after her unsuccessful campaign for the presidency in 2007. It was later revealed he had been seeing Ms Trierweiler for some time during their relationship.

Brigitte, 64, and Emmanuel Macron, 40, lead a very different public life to their predecessors

Brigitte, 64, and Emmanuel Macron, 40, lead a very different public life to their predecessors

Brigitte has proven adept at meeting a horde of celebrities, including Rihanna (pictured)

Brigitte has proven adept at meeting a horde of celebrities, including Rihanna (pictured)

Ms. Gayet's refusal to accept the post is poles apart from the approach of incumbent First Lady Brigitte Macron.

Since sweeping to power alongside husband Emmanuel last year, the 64-year-old has thrown herself into public engagements.

So far she has been pictured meeting a throng of public figures, including celebrities and state leaders, and supporting her husband in trips abroad. 

France

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