Far-Right French Politician Sues Madonna's Ex Over This Selfie

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the former leader of France's far-right Front National Party, is suing Madonna's ex-boyfriend for taking a selfie with the politician when he was asleep and posting it to social media. Le Pen told a French website the unflattering photo and its political caption cost his party the election and breached his privacy.

Brahim Zaibat, a professional dancer and frequent critic of the political party infamous for anti-Semitism and ruthless homophobia, snapped the picture of Le Pen napping on a plane three months ago, but posted it on social media December 12, shortly before France's national election, as a political statement.

"Let's all vote tomorrow to give them a knock-out blow. To preserve our fraternal France!" Zaibat captioned the photo.

Le Pen claims the photo damaged his party's chances in the election. While the party was expected to win up to four of France's 12 political regions, it suffered a crushing defeat when it lost all four. He is suing for EUR50,000 ($54,000).

"Do you find it normal to be photographed while asleep on a plane? The court will decide," the politician told the French website Rue89. "It's my private life and I want to protect myself against this type of behaviour."

Le Pen also references Madonna in the lawsuit, pointing out that the singer has famously feuded with Le Pen and his daughter, Marie, the current leader of the FNP, in the past. Madonna has compared Marie Le Pen to Adolf Hitler and her father to Saddam Hussein.

Zaibat's Twitter post of the selfie and political message is below.