Sarkozy sues Ryanair over advert
Thursday, 31 January 2008 22:46
French president Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni are suing Ryanair over a picture of the couple used in an airline advertisement.
The picture features in an advertisement published on Monday in the daily newspaper, Le Parisien.
Former model Carla Bruni is seeking €500,000, the amount she says her photograph normally costs.
Mr Sarkozy is seeking a symbolic €1 in damages.
Meanwhile Ryanair has apologised for using the couple's image without their consent, but insists it meant no offence.
Ryanair has offered to donate €5,000 to any charity of Mr Sarkozy's choice.
The airline says its lawyers will tell the court that they are happy to settle Mr Sarkozy's claim for €1 and Ryanair will renew its offer to make a charitable contribution.
Peter Sherrard of Ryanair said 'We apologised immediately and sincerely to both President Sarkozy and Ms Bruni for this advert which ran in Le Parisien newspaper this week. It was an honest attempt by Ryanair to reflect humorously and positively on this very public and publicised relationship.'
- Nine News: Tony Connelly, Europe Correspondent, reports that Carla Bruni and Nicolas Sarkozy seek damages from Ryanair for using their images in an ad
- Six One News: Tony Connelly, Europe Correspondent, reports that Ryanair has said it is willing to make a charitable donation after the controversy surrounding the ad
