Sarkozy's ex fails in book ban

An attempt by President Nicolas Sarkozy’s ex-wife Cecilia to ban a new book about her was thrown out by a court today.

The former first lady’s lawyers argued that the book by journalist Anna Bitton, called “Cecilia. A Portrait”, violated her private life.

Cecilia is quoted as calling the president a “womaniser”, “cheap” and “ridiculous”, according to excerpts published this week.

The court ruled that a ban “would be totally disproportionate, all the more so because the book is already on sale”. The book appeared in shops yesterday.

Lawyer Michelle Cahen said she would appeal against the decision.

“Cecilia. A Portrait” is one of three books coming out this week about the former first lady, who divorced Mr Sarkozy in October after a long rocky spell in their 11-year marriage.

Mr Sarkozy’s latest love interest former model Carla Bruni has dominated the front pages of French papers in recent weeks. The president hinted this week that they plan to marry.