France opens probe into Hollande's 'lover' pic publication

French prosecutors have revealed that they have launched a criminal investigation into the publication of a photo of actress Julie Gayet, whose affair with President Francois Hollande made global waves recently.

Prosecutor Robert Gelli said that the preliminary investigation into invasion of privacy was made after a complaint was made by the 41-year-old actress over the image of her driving a car published by Closer magazine, News24 reported.

Shortly after the scandal broke last month, Hollande split from his long-term partner Valerie Trierweiler.

Gelli said the probe is going to focus on a photo taken of Gayet driving her car, a private place under French law.

Gayet also launched a civil privacy complaint against Closer magazine for publishing images revealing her affair with Hollande, which were all taken on a public thoroughfare outside the flat where they used to meet.

In that case, she is seeking 50,000 Euros in damages and ?4 000 in legal costs.