French rock singer Bertrand Cantat, once the frontman of Noir Désir, is under fresh legal scrutiny following renewed attention from a Netflix documentary detailing his history of violent behavior.
Cantat, who served time for the 2003 death of actress Marie Trintignant, is now facing a reopened investigation linked to the 2010 suicide of his ex-wife, Krisztina Rady. Prosecutors in Bordeaux announced they are examining new testimonies and claims not previously considered in earlier probes, which were closed without charges.
The documentary, The Cantat Case, sheds light on disturbing incidents, including a nurse’s claim that Rady once arrived at a Bordeaux hospital with serious injuries after what was described as a violent altercation. Additionally, Rady had reportedly left a distressing message for her parents, describing Cantat’s abusive behavior—details echoed in both the documentary and a 2013 book on the case.
Cantat’s legal team, however, said they were unaware of any developments regarding a new investigation.
Despite his 2007 release after serving just four years of an eight-year sentence, Cantat returned to the spotlight with new music and live performances, often facing backlash and protests. Feminist groups and domestic violence advocates have condemned his re-emergence in the music scene, especially during the rise of the #MeToo movement. His 2017 solo release Amor Fati triggered renewed outrage, leading to multiple concert cancellations and mounting public criticism.
At one Paris concert in 2018, Cantat openly lashed out at journalists, saying, “I have nothing against you—you have something against me.”
As public interest surges again due to the Netflix series, many are calling for justice not only for Trintignant but also for Rady, whose death now appears to be more complex than previously believed.
