Hollywood actress and producer, Salma Hayek has denied reports that she got married to her billionaire husband Francois-Henri Pinault because of his wealth.
Salma Hayek who has been dragged for her marriage to Pinault, while appearing on “Armchair Expert” podcast, cleared the air on her relationship with 58-year-old billionaire tycoon, François-Henri Pinault.
After host Dax Shepard complimented Hayek’s spouse for being a “fun, generous, nice warm guy,” she responded, “You know the thing is that in pictures you cannot begin to guess the magic in him. He’s made me become a much better person, and grow in such a good, healthy way.”
“And, you know, when I married him, everybody said, ‘Oh, it’s arranged marriage, she married him for the money.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, whatever, b—. Think what you want,’” the Oscar nominated “Frida” star added.
“Fifteen years together, and we are strong in love. And I don’t even get offended, I’m like, yeah, whatever.”
The Mexican beauty, who shares 12-year-old daughter Valentina with Pinault, also shared the misconceptions people tend to have based on his net worth, reportedly upward to $44 billion.
“We’re touching on a very interesting conversation. There is a discrimination also to rich men. Immediately you think because somebody’s rich, [they] might not be a good person,” she said, before explaining her husband’s work ethic.
“My guy finished work no matter how hard it was — and trust me he has a lot of responsibilities — big smile on his face, happy to be home, happy to see me and the kids, make us laugh,” she continued.
“We go on vacation, he completely shuts off, he’s in the moment.”
Pinault is the chairman and CEO of the French-based luxury goods empire Kering, which has fashion brands such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga among its vast portfolio. Valued at $15.9 billion (in 2019), the multinational organization also owns department stores, furniture and mail-order shopping retailers.
“It’s not just an insult to me. I’m not the one being judged only,” she added. “They cannot begin to imagine what a joy that human being is.”