Damning Testimony in Sex Tape Blackmail Trial of Saint-Étienne Mayor Gaël Perdriau

The trial of Gaël Perdriau, the mayor of Saint-Étienne, has taken a dramatic turn as his former chief of staff, Pierre Gauttieri, provided incriminating testimony regarding a blackmail scheme that allegedly involved a sex tape targeting Perdriau's political rival, Gilles Artigues. In proceedings that commenced on September 22, 2025, Gauttieri accused Perdriau of orchestrating the plan to discredit Artigues, who served as his first deputy.

Gauttieri described how he was directed by Perdriau to carry out the plan shortly after the mayor’s election in 2014. He recounted instructions to facilitate the filming of Artigues in a compromising situation, specifically with a prostitute. This scheme reportedly involved a financial commitment of 40,000 euros, which Gauttieri claimed was to be managed directly by Perdriau. Gauttieri's change in narrative comes after serving time in detention in 2023, during which he expressed remorse for his involvement, calling his actions 'inexcusable' and admitting to feeling deeply ashamed.

Perdriau, however, has thoroughly denied these allegations, branding his former aide's claims as lies. He asserts that Gauttieri acted independently and insists he had no part in the scheme. According to Gauttieri, the urgency of their actions stemmed from concerns over Artigues’ political ambitions—the fear of him undermining Perdriau's governance, which echoes tensions from a 2008 conflict between the two men.

This trial has not only thrown a spotlight on personal betrayals within Saint-Étienne’s political landscape but has also raised questions about potential misappropriation of public funds associated with the blackmail scheme. As the court examines the evidence, Gauttieri's recorded admissions and details of the threats made against Artigues are expected to play a crucial role in the proceedings, further complicating Perdriau’s defense.

The controversy, which first came to public attention in August 2022, is reshaping the trust within local governance as the trial continues, with repercussions likely extending beyond the courtroom as citizens of Saint-Étienne await the outcomes of this politically charged case.