Luc Besson and lawyer Sarah Saldmann made their first public appearance as a couple at the Rome Film Festival this Friday, confirming months of speculation about their relationship. The 66-year-old director presented his latest film, an adaptation of “Dracula,” alongside Saldmann, a legal columnist for CNews and Europe 1.
The pairing follows a relationship first reported by Paris Match in February. On January 17th, Saldmann alluded to a new romance on Europe 1, stating, “You know, I’ve onyl had men treat me like a princess in my life. I have been put on a pedestal so much, loved so much, that when you have experienced that, you can no longer settle for mediocrity.” She did not name her partner at the time.
Besson, known for directing cult films such as “The Fifth Element,” ”Nikita,” and “Lucy,” has faced recent professional and legal challenges. his 2017 film “Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets” reportedly cost $180 million to produce and underperformed at the box office. He was also the subject of rape accusations, which were dismissed by French courts in 2024.
