Photo:Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Evangelista married Gérald Marie, the former head of Elite Model Management’s Paris office who was once considered to be one of the most powerful men in fashion, in 1987, when she was just 22 years old and he was 37. Their marriage lasted five years over the course of her rise to megastardom, but the model confessed that it was also the most painful time of her life.
“It’s easier said than done to leave an abusive relationship. I understand that concept because I lived it,” Evangelista, now 58, claims in the documentary. “It wasn’t a matter of just saying, ‘I want a divorce, see ya.’ It doesn’t work that way.”
She continues, “He knew not to touch my face, not to touch the money maker, ya know? I married him when I was 22 and I got out when I was 27, and he let me out as long as he got everything. But I was safe and I got my freedom.”
Marie’s lawyer Céline Bekerman tells PEOPLE: “Gérald Marie firmly objects to the defamatory and false allegations made against him. He refuses to participate in this dishonest media controversy.”
“When I found out that he’s hurt many, many, many women, he’s violated many women…It broke my heart,” Evangelista says with tears in her eyes. “I never told my story because I feared…,” she trails off before resuming, “Thanks to the power of all these women coming forward — bless them, God bless all of them — it gave me the courage now to speak.”
“I would love that justice be served. I would love for assholes like that to think twice and be afraid. And I would love women to know that they’re not alone,” she concludes.
Marie maintains his innocence, categorically denying the accusations via his lawyer and claiming that he “has never committed the slightest act of violence,” and that these women “intend to frame” him “as a scapegoat for a system, for an era, that is now over.”
However, several alleged victims have said they will continue to pursue their claims against Marie in civil court and intend to appeal the French criminal prosecutor’s decision.
Evangelista prevailed, continuing her meteoric rise in the industry, finding love and taking on her biggest role yet: mom.
On Oct. 11, 2006, she gave birth to her son,Augustin James Evangelistawho she shares with French businessmanFrançois-Henri Pinault. Evangelista dated Pinault between 2005 and 2006.
Motherhood quickly became the supermodel’s top priority.
“Motherhood is my whole life now,“she toldHarper’s Bazaarin 2013. “It’s the best. I am so fulfilled.”
Gotham/WireImage
Earlier this month, Evangelista and Augustin, 16, wore matching suits as they hit the red carpet atsecond annual Caring for Women Dinner. Augustin’s father Pinault and his wife,Salma Hayek Pinault, are co-chairs of the event.
In honor of his 16th birthday last October, Evangelista recognized “Augie” assomeone who is “My heart. My light"in a heartfeltInstagram tribute.
source: people.com
