On April 8, 2025, singer Lio made a powerful appearance on the French talk show "C à Vous," where she revisited the tragic case of Marie Trintignant and the man convicted of her murder, Bertrand Cantat. This moment came in the wake of a new Netflix documentary titled "De rockstar à tueur : Le cas Cantat," which has reignited public interest in the events surrounding Trintignant's death in 2003. Lio's emotional recounting of her past denunciations of the violence against Trintignant, and the societal attitudes surrounding it, highlighted the ongoing issues of domestic violence and the stigmatization of victims.
In her 2006 appearance on Thierry Ardisson's show "Tout le monde en parle," Lio was one of the first public figures to openly criticize the narrative surrounding Trintignant's murder, which was often framed as a "crime passionnel" or a crime of passion, rather than recognizing it as a feminicide. "Saying that Marie Trintignant was responsible for her death, that love and passion killed her, is absolutely wrong. Love does not bring death," she asserted during her recent appearance. Lio's stance back then was met with significant backlash, as she recalled that the music industry sought to protect the image of Cantat and his band, Noir Désir, which was enjoying immense commercial success at the time.
"They protected not the artist, but the money-maker," Lio stated, reflecting on the industry's prioritization of profits over the truth. She described the violent circumstances of Trintignant's death, saying, "He held her down with his knee on her throat. It's an execution." Lio's words were powerful and unyielding, as she recounted reading the autopsy report that detailed the brutality of the attack. "I saw the massacre. It's terrible when you want to demean someone, especially someone who has just been massacred," she expressed with visible emotion.
Despite her courage in speaking out, Lio faced severe consequences in her career. She revealed that her outspokenness led to powerful record companies blacklisting her, which resulted in her losing contracts and having to cancel tours. "I couldn't find a single contract after that," she lamented, underscoring the sacrifices she made for her principles. Lio's voice was one of the few that challenged the prevailing narratives and sought to bring attention to the violence against women, a topic that was largely ignored in the early 2000s.
As she reflected on the impact of her words, Lio noted how the documentary has helped reshape the conversation around Trintignant's murder and domestic violence. "Today, I can say it because it's recognized. Bertrand Cantat is a violent man who hits women and doesn't hesitate to kill them. He has two victims: one he massacred by hand and another he drove to suicide," she stated emphatically. Lio's commitment to advocating for women's rights and justice for victims of domestic violence has resonated with many, and she has received messages from women expressing gratitude for her courage.
"I received a lot of support back then, but it was often from women saying, 'I’m in this situation, I don’t know what to do.' Now, I get messages saying, 'You saved me, your words gave me the courage to leave,'" she shared, highlighting the profound influence her advocacy has had on others. These messages have come at a particularly difficult time for Lio, following the tragic death of her youngest son, Diego, just a month prior.
Despite the emotional toll, Lio has returned to the stage, a decision that has not been without controversy. Some have criticized her for performing so soon after her son's death, questioning her grief. Lio responded to these criticisms with resilience, stating, "Necessity is the mother of invention. I need to work because I have other children to care for." Her determination to continue her career while also honoring her son's memory demonstrates her strength and commitment to her family.
As Lio continues to speak out against domestic violence and advocate for victims, her voice remains crucial in challenging societal attitudes that often blame victims for their circumstances. The discussion surrounding Marie Trintignant's murder and the legacy of Bertrand Cantat is far from over. Lio's recent statements serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the realities of violence against women, and the need for a societal shift in how these issues are perceived and discussed.
In a world where the voices of survivors often go unheard, Lio's courage to speak out against injustice and her dedication to advocating for change stand as a beacon of hope. Her commitment to ensuring that the memory of Marie Trintignant and the fight against domestic violence are not forgotten is a testament to her strength and resilience.
