Twenty months after the tragedy, the trial of the French comedian Pierre Palmade opened on Wednesday in Melun, in the Paris region. The actor said he was “overwhelmed” by the serious injuries suffered by the three victims, for whom he asked for forgiveness. The prosecution asked for five years in prison, two of which were suspended, for the road accident that left the comedian under the influence of drugs.
“We cannot be too lenient when the damage is done and when driving under the influence of drugs causes a tragedy,” announced prosecutor Marie-Denise Pichonnier.
Deemed a repeat offender due to a 2019 conviction for drug use, Pierre Palmade was sentenced to fourteen years in prison.
Entering the court through a back door to escape the cameras, Pierre Palmade could be seen looking slim, weak-faced and staring into space.
“He put me down. I am really under siege, in distress to see them in real life,” declared the 56-year-old artist at the Melun criminal court for his first public appearance in the highly publicized affair . Turning towards the tribunals of the civil parties, he spoke directly to them “asking for forgiveness from the depth of the person”.
Front choke
On February 10, 2023 at the end of the day, the man of theater and television took the wheel to go shopping, after several days of unrestrained partying and drug consumption. There is a large amount of 3MMC (a synthetic drug) in his blood.
“We are really like zombies, vegetables, naked, bloody,” he describes to the judges. With 3-MMC dozed, he wakes up with new doses of cocaine to get behind the wheel. And it was on a road in the south of the Seine-et-Marne department, south-east of Paris, that his car hit head-on with the victims’ vehicle coming in front.
“I see the three of us leaving the euphoric house and then it’s dark, I open my eyes and I’m at the Kremlin-Bicêtre hospital,” says Pierre Palmade, who says he has no memory of the impact.
The accident left three people from the same family seriously injured: a 38-year-old man, his six-year-old son and his 27-year-old sister-in-law, who lost the child she was expecting. “I understand their anger. A crazy drug addict crashed into them, it is inexcusable,” admitted on Wednesday the comedian, who became a showbiz pariah from the disclosure to the general public of his problems going dark ’addiction .
“Favourable elements” for Pierre Palmade
“The misconduct of Mr. Pierre Palmade is indeed the direct cause of all the damage suffered by the victims,” recalled the prosecutor.
She also highlighted “favorable elements”: “recognition of the facts on the part of Mr. Pierre Palmade” who “expressed his regret very quickly” as well as “strict respect for obligations of care”, since a relapse in during the summer of 2023. and a widely publicized nightclub tour.
“Dangerous because of drugs”
This road accident is just one of the 52,000 recorded on mainland France that year. But revelation after revelation, the general public then discovers the dark side of a popular comedian, who has been staging a fight against his existential terrors for 30 years.
>> Read about: Pierre Palmade was under the influence of cocaine at the time of his accident
During his first questioning before the investigating judge, Pierre Palmade said he was “concerned” about the consequences of the accident for the victims.
“I’m obsessed with this, with the child who died […]. I’m dangerous because of drugs, I’m a nice guy, I’m a good person,” declared the artist, who lost his own father in a road accident at the age of eight.
What are the potential legal consequences Pierre Palmade could face in his trial for the drug-related accident?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on the Trial of Pierre Palmade
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we delve into a highly publicized legal case that has captured the attention of not just France, but the world— the trial of comedian Pierre Palmade. Joining us is Dr. Claire Moreau, a legal expert specializing in criminal law and drug-related offenses. Merci for being here, Dr. Moreau.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I appreciate the chance to discuss it.
Editor: The trial opened recently in Melun, and it’s been reported that Palmade appeared visibly affected by the gravity of the situation. How significant do you think his emotional state will be in the proceedings?
Dr. Moreau: Emotion plays a crucial role in any trial, especially in cases involving personal tragedy. While his demeanor may generate some sympathy, the court will focus primarily on the legal ramifications of his actions. That said, acknowledging the severity of injuries sustained by the victims and his expression of remorse could influence the jury’s perception.
Editor: Indeed, Palmade has expressed that he is “overwhelmed” by the injuries caused to the victims. Prosecutor Marie-Denise Pichonnier requested a five-year prison sentence, which seems to indicate the prosecution’s position on the need for accountability. How does this compare to his previous conviction for drug use?
Dr. Moreau: The prosecution’s stance demonstrates a strict approach toward repeat offenders, especially in cases involving drugs and driving. Given that Palmade was already a repeat offender, facing a fourteen-year prison sentence could be seen as an attempt by the legal system to deter both him and others from similar behavior in the future. The severe impact of his actions on the victims also calls for a firm response to uphold justice.
Editor: Speaking of the victims, they include a young child and a woman who tragically lost her unborn baby due to the accident. How does the law typically address the suffering of victims and their families in such cases?
Dr. Moreau: The law often takes a dim view of offenses that result in significant harm to innocent parties. In France, victims have the right to present their case, and it can lead to the court imposing harsher penalties when the consequences are particularly devastating. In this case, the emotional and psychological suffering of the victims’ family will certainly be pivotal in court.
Editor: Palmade’s admission of being under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident—particularly a synthetic drug, 3-MMC—adds another layer of complexity. Can you explain how the substance abuse aspect factors into the legal proceedings?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely. Drug use not only affects a person’s ability to drive but also raises questions about intent and recklessness. In this case, Palmade’s use of a synthetic drug before driving suggests a blatant disregard for the safety of others, which the court will likely view unfavorably. Jurisdictions are increasingly toughening laws concerning drug-induced driving as the evidence linking drugs to impaired driving becomes more compelling.
Editor: In your opinion, what does this case signify about society’s broader awareness of drug use and its consequences?
Dr. Moreau: This case highlights the critical need for more extensive education on the dangers of drug use and driving, as well as the importance of mental health support for individuals like Palmade, who may be struggling with substance abuse issues. It reflects a growing societal awareness about addiction, but it also underscores the severe consequences that can arise when such issues are left unaddressed.
Editor: As we wrap up, what do you foresee happening as this trial progresses?
Dr. Moreau: The trial will likely include emotional testimonies from the victims’ families and expert witnesses discussing the implications of drug use. Ultimately, I expect the court to take a firm stance against Palmade’s actions, particularly given his history and the gravity of the accident. However, the emotional elements may sway the jury’s decision toward a more nuanced verdict.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights on such a sensitive and complex issue.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me, and let’s all hope for justice for the victims involved in this heartbreaking case.
Editor: Stay tuned for more updates on this story, and thank you for joining us today.