It is the first time that Gilles Gauer has spoken since his arrival last September on the board of Laeticia Hallyday. This 45-year-old Montpellier lawyer, who has been managing Laeticia's father's business for three years, negotiated discreetly with the lawyers of Laura Smet and David Hallyday. He signed this Friday on behalf of the widow of Johnny the agreement which ends the legal proceedings initiated by Laura Smet two and a half years ago.
What is the agreement between Laeticia Hallyday and Laura Smet?
GILLES GAUER. The content is confidential. But it is an excellent agreement, which does not only settle the past, but also to build the future, in accordance with the will of Johnny. He wanted to protect his children, in particular Jade and Joy, who were 9 and 13 years old at the time of his death, and wanted his work to develop in the best conditions. This agreement does it all. He is just and protective for all.
For Laura and David too?
We are also speaking because we want to respond to Johnny's attacks. He never wanted to disinherit his big children. Everyone found that everything that was proposed was respectful of a balanced division of property, taking into account the real heritage of Johnny Hallyday. You know there are tax debts ...
We are talking about 30 million euros…
All the figures have been circulated. The administration claims certain sums, but we have contrary explanations. I will not go into details because the procedures are not complete.
How did the dialogue come back?
When we arrived last September, the emotions were heightened, to put it mildly. But Laeticia immediately asked us to do everything to restore peace and reach an agreement. We immediately abandoned Laeticia's appeal (note: from the judgment of the Nanterre court establishing her husband as a French resident) , our will was clear. It took a little time to resume the dialogue. Johnny's mourning was terrible for everyone, but today, confidence is restored. Laeticia made the choice to reach out and was accepted by Laura.
What is Laeticia's state of mind?
As soon as there is an agreement, Laura withdraws from the legal proceedings. Laeticia can therefore look to the future. Thanks to this agreement, the context is much better to allow development of his work and projects. Laeticia is the guarantor of Johnny's work, in accordance with her will, but she decided to share this responsibility by dialoguing with Laura and David.
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Why is David not a signatory to the agreement?
He is not a signatory to the agreement, but as he announced on Friday, he is withdrawing from the legal proceedings. I was not worried. The whole family wants peace and respect for Johnny's wishes.