Hollande says may sue magazine over affair claim

French President Francois Hollande today said he was considering legal action against Closer after the magazine said he was having an affair with an actress.

Speaking in a personal capacity, Hollande condemned the coverage as an "attack on the right to privacy," to which he "like every other citizen has a right".

Hollande told AFP in a statement he was "looking into possible action, including legal action," against the weekly magazine.

Closer said on its website today that Francois Hollande was having an affair with actress Julie Gayet, promising to back its claim with photographs after months of swirling rumours.
 
The website said its print edition today would feature seven pages of revelations and pictures on the 59-year-old president's alleged relationship with Gayet.

Closer, echoing reports published on various websites in recent days, said Hollande routinely drives through Paris on his scooter to spend the night with the 41-year-old.