Lagerfeld Slates Hollande Over Affair Scandal

Karl Lagerfeld has criticised French prime minister François Hollande for his alleged affair with actress Julie Gayet. The politician has been in a relationship with journalist Valerie Trierweiler for nine years.

"When we talk about violence against women, the way [Valerie Trierweiler] was treated I am very much against," said Lagerfeld to The Associated Press. "You cannot do that to a woman you've spent so many years with. This I think is cruel and heartless."

Trierweiler - who works for French magazine Paris Match - was admitted to hospital following the scandal, but left earlier this week. Lagerfeld has been a fan of the political writer since Hollande was first elected in may 2012, describing her as "very handsome, very elegant". She also attended Chanel's autumn/winter 2013 show.

The designer has been vocal about his feelings about Hollande before, criticising his decision to impose high tax rates on the rich.

"Hollande hates the rich," Lagerfeld said in October 2012. "It's a disaster. He wants to punish them, and, of course, they are leaving, nobody is investing."