While the series mostly adheres to the truth about Bernard Tapie’s life, the producers have admitted to fictionalizing certain aspects, and the show also omits key details. Bernard condemned the miniseries before it was released, and his family has spoken out against it in the press. Regardless,Class Actis a captivating portrayal of power, corruption, and ambition, offering an absorbing look into a fascinating life that many outside of France are unfamiliar with.
The True Story Behind Benard Tapie The Subject Of Netflix’s Class Act Limited Series
Tapie Is A Polarizing Public Figure Who Led A Fascinating Life
Class Actmostly focuses on Bernard Tapie’s life from 1967 to 1997. Born from humble beginnings as the son of a plumber,he had ambition from a young age to make something grand out of his life. Bernard was the type of person with a relentless drive, always coming up with new business ventures before getting bored and moving on to the next thing. He started as a singer and entertainer, then turned to selling televisions, and eventually started his own businesses, including a subscription appliance store and a subscription paramedic service.
Tapie became heavily involved in politics, serving as a Member of the French Parliament and becoming the Minister of Urban Affairs in the early 1990s.
Eventually, Bernard built his wealth by buying companies in bankruptcy. One of those companies was Adidas, which he owned from 1990-1993. After conquering the business world, Tapie became interested in sports. He owned the football club Olympique de Marseille, which won the French championship four times in a row. Tapie became heavily involved in politics, serving as a Member of the French Parliament and becoming the Minister of Urban Affairs in the early 1990s. He was a passionate advocate for social equality and improving underprivileged neighborhoods.
While Bernard had incredible success, amajor focus of the miniseries is his many downfalls. Most famously, Tapie was charged with match-fixing when he was the owner of Olympique de Marseille. He was sentenced to eight months in prison for bribing officials to ensure Marseille’s victory in the final match, and the club was eventually stripped of their championships. Tapie was also accused of misusing his political influence while serving as Minister of Urban Affairs.
The Netflix Series Left Out Events From Bernard Tapie’s Life
In Real Life, Tapie Was Involved In Many Other Legal Troubles
Tapie claimed his innocence, but it was later revealed he had orchestrated a fraudulent settlement, which led to a prison sentence.
There was also a prolonged legal fight over Tapie’s involvement with Adidas. He wasconvicted of defrauding the French governmentwhile selling the company to the state-owned bank Credit Lyonnais. Tapie claimed his innocence, but it was later revealed he had orchestrated a fraudulent settlement, which led to a prison sentence. The case, which started in 1993 and had numerous twists and turns, was still ongoing at the time of Tapie’s death in 2021.
Bernard Tapie And His Family Opposed The Netflix Series
Tapie’s Family Attacked The Netflix Show In The Press
Bernard Tapie and his family were extremely unhappy with the Netflix seriesClass Act.Even though the producers were open that the series was half-biopic and half-fiction, itdidn’t stop them from attacking the series in the press.
Tapie died of stomach cancer before the show premiered, but he was able to voice his opinion on the series before his death. Speaking to Van-Martin, his local newspaper, Tapie had this to say: (ViaThe Guardian)
“I was against it … to do it without asking without my agreement in principle; not good. A documentary is something else, but to use my name, it’s a bit too much,” he told Var-Matin, his local newspaper.
Tapie’s daughter, Sophie, voiced her displeasure about the series on social media, calling it disrespectful towards her father. Tapie’s widow, Dominique Mialet-Damianos, also condemned the series in the French press.
“I don’t dread it, I deplore it. The producers said it was a fiction, but a fiction called Bernard Tapie? I find that incredible. I do not condone it and I remind everyone that we were not consulted in any way.
Bernard Tapie Became An Actor, Game Show Host, And Singer Before His Death In 2017
In 1997, Tapie served six months in a French prison for his role in the match-fixing scandal related to his ownership of the football club Olympique de Marseille. After being released on parole,Tapie decided to pursue more artistic ventures, as he was bankrupt and unable to pursue business activities. He was also ineligible to run for political office again.
He also received critical acclaim in his theater debut, playing the role of Randle McMurphy inOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
During this time, Tapie enlisted in a variety of different creative projects. He starred in a film in 1996 calledMen, Women: A User’s Manualand collaborated on a song with his friend Doc Gyenco, called “C’est beau la vie.” He also received critical acclaim in his theater debut, playing the role of Randle McMurphy inOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Tapie continued his passion for acting for many years and appeared in many theatrical productions and films.
In 2018, Tapie was diagnosed with stomach and esophagus cancer, and he eventually died from the disease on June 25, 2025. He waslauded in the press for leading a rewarding and ambitious life. Even French President Emmanuel Macron offered his condolences to Tapie’s family and expressed gratitude for the inspiration Tapie provided to the French people during his lifetime.
Class Act
Cast
Class Act (2023) is a biographical drama series depicting the rise of French business magnate Bernard Tapie. Laurent Lafitte stars as Tapie, navigating his multifaceted career—from singer to businessman, politician, and controversial figure. Directed by Tristan Séguéla, the show delves into the complexities of Tapie’s ambition and the ethical dilemmas he faces.
