“Delon always slept with a loaded gun under his pillow”

Two journalists have made exclusive revelations about the final months of the famous French actor’s life in a book published on 22 May.

In the book Les Derniers jours du Samouraï, published by Laurence Pieau, former editor-in-chief of Closer, and François Vignolle, head of judicial investigations for M6 group, aspects of Alain Delon’s private life, until now kept hidden, are brought to the public eye.

Whilst the final months of the Leopard’s life were marked by turbulent relationships with his children, Anouchka, Anthony and Alain-Fabien, and by serious health problems, including lymphoma, other demons were at play inside his Douchy estate. According to L'internaute, Alain Delon suffered from cognitive issues and became “extremely paranoid” in his last months. Drawing on the confidences of Alain-Fabien, the authors revealed several disturbing facts, such as the loaded weapon always kept under the actor’s pillow.

Narrowly avoiding disaster

During a search in February 2024, 72 guns and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition were seized by police. These were owned illegally by Alain Delon. One of these weapons was even found near the actor’s bed, most likely for protection. According to Alain-Fabien, this weapon could have caused serious harm. In 2023, his father pointed a gun at him when he returned to Douchy after going shopping.

To avoid a tragedy, Alain-Fabien told the two journalists he had placed dummy rounds in the pistol. “Until the end, he genuinely believed the gun he slept with was loaded.”

(MH with Olivia Stasse – Source: L’internaute – Picture: ©picture alliance/dpa/MAXPPP | Sébastien Botella)