Bertrand Cantat

Bertrand Cantat (born in Pau, France, March 5th 1964) is a French singer and songwriter. He was the leader of the now-defunct rock band Noir Désir. He is currently serving a prison sentence for manslaughter.

Related Topics:
Pau - France - March 5th - 1964 - Singer - Songwriter - Rock band - Noir Désir - Manslaughter

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At the helm of his band, he became one of the most prominent figures of French music in the 90s. His left leaning political views saw him take position against globalisation, desertification of urban areas in Bordeaux and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Related Topics:
Desertification - Bordeaux - 2003 invasion of Iraq

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In July 2003, while rowing with his girlfriend Marie Trintignant in a hotel apartment in Vilnius, Lithuania, he punched her repeatedly, which resulted in her falling into a coma and eventually dying few days later. This death caused considerable emotion in France. Nadine Trintignant, Marie's mother, actively sought a heavy sentence; Cantat's friends claimed he had been out of his mind and had not intended to cause harm. He was sentenced in 2004 to 8 years in prison for manslaughter. The verdict was at first appealed by Marie's family, then by Bertrand Cantat, but both parties ultimately decided to cancel their appeals, which rendered the first 8 years judgment final.

Related Topics:
2003 - Marie Trintignant - Vilnius - Lithuania - Coma - France - Nadine Trintignant - 2004 - Prison

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