Alain Delon's private farewell: Controversy, security, and family feuds

On 18 August this year, we wrote about the death of Alain Delon, the 88-year-old French actor. He was one of the greatest heartthrobs of cinema. "His devilish angelic beauty and feline presence revolutionised cinema in the films of René Clément, Jean-Pierre Melville, and Visconti," wrote journalists from "Le Figaro." According to a statement from the actor's three children, Delon "died peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and family." Delon's two sons issued the press release: Anthony and Alain Fabien, as well as his daughter, Anouchka.

Special permissions were needed for Alain Delon's funeral to be held on his estate in France, according to the wishes of the actor and his family. The family had to meet a number of strict conditions. According to media reports, the area around the estate was monitored by as many as 80 gendarmes, drones and planes were banned from flying over the area, and several nearby roads had to be closed.

For security reasons, mourners' phones were taken away — they were placed into unique plastic bags, in which they were sealed for the duration of the ceremony. No one was allowed to record the funeral proceedings. Although the La Brûlerie estate was closed to outsiders, about 100 people gathered at the gate wanting to pay tribute to the French cinema star. The entrance was quickly adorned with dozens of wreaths and flowers placed there throughout the hot weekend. According to "The Guardian," temperatures that weekend were so high that a few people required medical attention.

Delon did not want an official state funeral. He said he wanted to be buried "like any other person." However, the ceremony was far from ordinary. Outside the gate of the estate, 100 people sang "Paroles, paroles," and among the mourners were politicians and actors.

It is worth noting that Delon detailed his last wishes. He wanted to be buried with his dog Loubo, which sparked loud opposition not only among animal rights activists but also among others. The actor's request was not fulfilled. He also wanted a specific person to conduct the ceremony—the Catholic priest Jean-Michel Di Falco.

The entire ceremony took place next to the chapel built on Delon's estate, which also contains a private cemetery. In this cemetery, 35 of the actor's dogs are buried.

For years, it was widely known that Alain Delon wanted to undergo euthanasia. In 2022, even his farewell letter was published in the French media: "I would like to thank everyone who has accompanied me over the years and been a support for me. I hope that future generations of actors will find in me an example not only professionally but also in life, between victories and failures. Thank you. Alain Delon."

- I am in favour of a dignified death - he said in one of the interviews. - Firstly, because I live in Switzerland, where euthanasia is legal, and also because I believe it is the most logical and natural thing to do. A person has the right to leave in peace, without going through hospitals, injections, and so on - said Alain Delon.

The Delon family aired their dirty laundry in the media. Open disputes raged among the clan members. His son claimed that the father was being manipulated, that his daughter Anouchka was isolating him from the world, and that he was not receiving appropriate treatment. It was said that the siblings were fighting because a huge inheritance was at stake. Delon's former caregiver added fuel to the fire.

The woman was fired in 2023 for allegedly being violent towards him and preventing him from contacting his loved ones. She revealed to the media that the actor was in a terrible condition because of the children. - Alain's life is in danger. I am not afraid to say that he is at risk of death - she stated in an interview with RTL. In the investigation conducted at the request of the actor's children, it was determined that the woman, indeed, was violent to her charge.