Advertisement
In the limited series “Class Act,” based on the life of Bernard Tapie, a late businessman, musician, actor, and TV personality in France, the final episode brings several crucial events to a close.
After the sale of Adidas, Tapie finds a resolution out of court, which prompts him to refocus on his ventures. He sets his sights on Olympique de Marseille winning the Champions League, which would secure him the position of mayor of Marseille. In pursuit of this goal, he arranges a match through the team’s general manager, Jean-Pierre Bernès. While Olympique de Marseille emerges victorious, Jacques Glassmann, a disgruntled player, files a complaint against Bernès and subsequently takes legal action.
Despite assurances from Olympique de Marseille that they would work to discredit Glassmann if his legal action fails, he persists. Prosecutor Éric de Montgolfier uncovers evidence validating Glassmann’s allegations. Holding this crucial evidence close, Montgolfier allows Tapie to incriminate himself by concocting stories to exonerate Bernès, thereby implicating himself in the process. Montgolfier then presents Tapie with a choice: confess in exchange for a lighter sentence or face potential public disgrace.
When Bernard realizes that Montgolfier has contacted Jean-Pierre, he attempts to persuade him of Glassmann’s deceit. Unbeknownst to Bernard, Montgolfier is already aware of the incriminating evidence. In a tense encounter, Bernard spins a web of falsehoods to establish Jean-Pierre’s innocence, unaware that Montgolfier sees through his intentions. Eventually, Montgolfier confronts Bernard with the truth, giving him the ultimatum to confess or face a guilty verdict and imprisonment. Bernard maintains his innocence and refuses to confess.
Subsequently, in 1997, Bernard’s father accompanies him to prison. After a lengthy trial, Bernard is found guilty and sentenced to 8 months in jail, as advocated by Montgolfier. Bernard’s father grapples with a sense of failure. On his wedding day, Bernard confides in Dominique about the entire controversy, and she stands by his side. Bernard now desires to retreat from politics, business, and television, aiming to spend his remaining days with his wife, children, and parents. He believes that one’s actions define their legacy and considers himself fortunate to have become the man known as Bernard Tapie.