On'payback'
 

04/12/2009
Liliane Bettencourt. Photo © AFP
Story of a legacy
The daughter of the founder of L'Oreal wants to announce irresponsible

The daughter of the richest women in Europe - cosmetics empire heir to L'Oreal Liliane Bettencourt - asked the court to recognize his mother irresponsible and appoint her a guardian. Causes of concern 56-year-old Francoise Betancourt-Meyer obvious: she is worried that the 87-year-old heiress to squander much of the state. The reason for such fears by Francoise abound.

I must say that Liliane Bettencourt, traditionally within the hundred richest people in the world under the version of Forbes, does not like to talk to the media and rarely gives interviews. Thus, over the past twenty years, she answered questions from journalists only twice: in 1987, when a detailed article about her appeared in the French Egoiste, and in December 2008, when agreed to meet with reporters from the weekly magazine Figaro Magazine. For this reason, about the personal life of Lillian little is known. At least, at first hand.

One of these interviews has played a key role in the biography of Lillian Betancourt: Egoiste on the set for over 20 years ago, the heiress had met with the François-Marie Bagneux - photographer, painter, novelist, playwright, in general, extremely versatile personality. Bagneux created portraits of many celebrities - from Francoise Sagan to Johnny Depp. Shortly between Lillian and Francois-Marie struck up a friendship, the artist became a frequent visitor to the apartment heiress in a Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Betancourt at the time was 65 years old, and Bagneux - 40.

The first suspicion of this friendship came from Francoise Betancourt-Mayer in 2006. And in 2007, died Andre Betancourt, happily married to Lillian who spent almost 57 years. Shortly after the heiress was widowed, the servants told her daughter about the strange conversation overheard in the house. Liliane Bettencourt discussed with Francois-Marie Bagneux prospect of adoption.

Of course, when nearly 90-year-old lady is going to adopt a change for seventy gentleman, it is clear that she wants to make him a legitimate and indisputable heir. It is quite natural that the only biological daughter of the lady begins to worry for their share. Moreover, the legacy of a solid. Company L'Oreal Group owns not only the brand L'Oreal Paris ( "Because I'm Worth It!"), And a dozen other famous and not so - Maybelline, Redken, Garnier, Biotherme, Lancome, Vichy, Helena Rubinstein. Revenues from the sale of perfume and Ralph Lauren Parfums Giorgio Armani also come to the L'Oreal Group. Liliane Bettencourt owns nearly 30 percent of the company - as of 2009 its state exceeds 13 billion dollars. And Lillian, and Francoise are a board member of L'Oreal.

But pretty soon the rumors about plans Betancourt adoption photographer were refuted: and Lillian, and Francois-Marie deny that they were thinking "to legitimize the relationship" in such a peculiar way. Around the same time, the mother and daughter stopped talking to each other.

Fran began to act - she tried to draw the attention of the authorities to ensure that the artist receives from her mother, a very serious amount. The daughter of the successor stated that Bagneux uses her mother for their own purposes. At the request of Betancourt-Mayer began an investigation into the events. Liliane Bettencourt argues that all that was done by it for Bagneux (buy his work, gifts, large amounts of cash in the renovation of his studio, insurance) - just the patronage of the arts, acts of philanthropy. No wonder a recent interview with Figaro Magazine, she said that "the state - is an opportunity," and that anyone who receives a large sum, should love to give - without the "counts" and the expectations of "payback".

On "payback" Liliane Bettencourt and really do not think. In late 2008 it became known that she was among the victims of massive financial fraud Bernard Meydoffa. Helped her in such a capital investment Thierry de la Villyushe, the same man who committed suicide after the exposure of the financial pyramid. The amount lost heir to L'Oreal, did not become public knowledge.

Liliane Bettencourt is not only invests money in dubious company, but also engaged in charity. Thus, she is the founder of Foundation Bettencourt Schueller Foundation (fund received this name in honor of Eugene Shuler, father and founder of the Lillian L'Oreal), prize awarded annually to young scientists.

So far, Françoise Bettencourt-Meyer managed only to get permission for something to complain about Francois-Marie Bagneux. She accuses him of fraud. And Bagneux, Betancourt and willingly cooperate with the investigation. Bagneux, rumored to be admitted that he received from friend, billionaire sponsorship. She herself submitted medical documents to investigators, which showed her mental health. Nevertheless, to be screened, it categorically rejects. Difficulty for Francoise is that under French law to complain about a rogue can only victim. And she, though, and should inherit the status of the mother, can not be considered a victim, while Lillian alive and effectual.

If the court finds Liliane Bettencourt irresponsible, and Bagneux recognizes fraudster, artists could go to jail for three years and pay a substantial fine. The hearing was to begin on December 11.

Julia Savitskaya