The famous French actress Isabelle Adjani, winner of five Césars, was sentenced yesterday to two years suspended prison sentence and a fine of 250,000 euros for tax fraud and money laundering offenses. Judged in her absence in Paris, she was found guilty of illegally residing in Portugal between 2016 and 2017, disguising a donation of two million euros as a loan, and transferring 120,000 euros via an undeclared account in the United States.
The court highlighted the seriousness of the offenses, emphasizing that these actions led to tax evasion of 236,000 euros in income tax and 1.2 million euros in transfer rights. The presiding judge indicated that these acts "seriously undermine the equality of citizens before tax", thus shaking the republican pact.
Despite her status as an actress of undeniable talent, the presiding judge reminded that Isabelle Adjani remains a taxpayer like any other. The actress’s lawyers expressed their dismay at this decision, stating their intention to appeal. They emphasized the need for a fair judgment, without preferential treatment due to her fame.
The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office had initially requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 250,000 euros, accompanied by two years of ineligibility. The court’s decision marks a significant turning point in the career of one of France’s most renowned actresses.