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French magazine accused of glorifying rock-star murderer

Les Inrockuptibles expressed 'regret' for anyone who was 'hurt' after putting Bertrand Cantat, who killed actress Marie Trintignant, on front page.

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A leading French music magazine has responded to criticism for making a rock star who killed his girlfriend its cover star, reports the BBC.

Les Inrockuptibles placed Bertrand Cantat, who beat actress Marie Trintignant to death in 2003, on its front page last week.

In a statement, it said its choice was "debatable", and expressed "sincere regrets" to "those who felt hurt".

France's Elle magazine responded with a editorial tribute to Ms Trintignant.

Under the headline "In the name of Marie", it said its words were for "all women victims of violence" carried out by men.

Cantat, who was released from prison in 2007, is trying to relaunch his music career with a new solo album.

Les Inrockuptibles said it had been covering Cantat since the 1980s and its history was built on his old band, Noir Desir.

It justified its coverage by saying the article tackled controversial issues, such as "Did Cantat have the right to a public life after having killed Marie Trintignant with his fists?"

Read more of this report from the BBC.