Pierre Palmade, the French comedian who has been incarcerated for four months following a serious road accident, is set to leave prison under an electronic bracelet. On April 15, 2025, the Bordeaux Court of Appeal granted Palmade the adjustment of his five-year sentence, which includes two years without parole, allowing him to serve the remainder of his term at home. This decision comes after his conviction for causing a devastating crash while under the influence of drugs in February 2023.
Palma de, who entered the Bordeaux-Gradignan prison on December 9, 2024, was sentenced for unintentional injuries inflicted on a family during the accident, which resulted in severe injuries to three individuals, including a pregnant woman who tragically lost her baby. The court's ruling will take effect on April 16, 2025, at 9 a.m., and it includes specific conditions regarding his movements.
The court had initially validated his release under an electronic bracelet on March 26, 2025, but the prosecution's appeal temporarily halted this decision. Ultimately, the appeal court confirmed that Palmade could complete his sentence at home, albeit with modified restrictions on his exit times. He is now permitted to leave his residence during designated hours, which have been adjusted to focus on his medical treatment needs.
According to sources close to Palmade, he is relieved by the decision. "Pierre is relieved. He was under pressure in prison," said a friend. The comedian reportedly spent his time in detention largely focused on writing, including letters and a play, while maintaining contact with a few close friends from the artistic community. "He has been writing a lot, particularly a play. He didn't have much of a mindset to write sketches," a source revealed.
Despite his release, Palmade remains acutely aware of the public perception surrounding him. "He is still shaken by the trial and those four months behind bars. Pierre is also an artist who cares about how others perceive him. He is terrified of what people might think of him," shared a confidant.
As part of his release conditions, Palmade is prohibited from contacting the victims of the accident. This includes a 38-year-old man, his six-year-old son, and his 27-year-old sister-in-law, who suffered life-altering injuries during the crash. The accident occurred when Palmade, after three days of drug use without sleep, collided with their vehicle while driving on the wrong side of the road.
During his time in prison, Palmade was placed in isolation, a standard practice for high-profile inmates. He was reportedly given individual accommodations and personal walking hours. According to staff at the Bordeaux-Gradignan facility, he did not pose any issues during his incarceration. "The inmate Pierre Palmade never caused a problem during his detention; he never raised his voice," stated a prison union representative.
Critics, however, have voiced concerns over the preferential treatment Palmade appears to have received due to his celebrity status. A union delegate expressed disappointment, stating, "I’m almost disappointed that he is getting out because he is a star. If an ordinary person had done the same thing, they wouldn’t have been isolated or released early." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about equity in the justice system.
Palma de’s legal team has not commented on the latest developments, but the court's decision is seen as final unless either party seeks further appeal within ten days. For now, Palmade is looking to reintegrate into society while continuing his treatment for addiction.
As he prepares to leave prison, his friends emphasize his desire to return to cultural activities, despite acknowledging the challenges he faces. "Deep down, he hopes and wants to come back, even if he knows it’s almost impossible," one close associate remarked. The next chapter for Pierre Palmade will begin under the watchful eye of an electronic monitoring system, as he navigates life beyond the prison walls.
