The daily TF1 soap opera, “Here it all begins”, is shaken by a legal case. Accused of domestic violence against his companion and on-screen partner, Catherine Davydzenka, actor Stéphane Blancafort firmly contested the facts through his lawyers.
Removed from filming by the channel following a violent altercation that occurred last Friday, the actor is now invoking “self-defense”.
The Nîmes public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation to clarify the course of a domestic dispute which broke out near the filming location.
According to several sources, the actor tried to strangle Catherine Davydzenka, who was prescribed a total incapacity for work (ITT) of 5 days. Stéphane Blancafort categorically contests this version.
Police custody lifted
His lawyers claim that he was “insulted and hit in the face” by his partner during a fit of jealousy. To protect himself and stop the attack, the actor simply “kept her on the ground for a few seconds”. The lawyers specify that an eyewitness, present at the time of the events, corroborates this version.
Faced with the seriousness of the accusations, TF1 immediately reacted by applying its zero tolerance policy towards violence. The actor was suspended as a precautionary measure. After going himself to the gendarmerie, the actor saw his custody lifted.
Police investigations are continuing actively to determine the “personal and/or reciprocal” responsibilities within the couple. Stéphane Blancafort has already announced his intention to file a complaint to denounce the violence of which he claims to have been the victim.
