Growing up in the glamorous heart of Beverly Hills with two illustrious uncles—a cosmetics magnate and a well-connected mobster—set the stage for Ilene Médecin’s extraordinary life. In “Arrested,” Ilene recounts her romantic and glittering journey as the American First Lady of Nice and the French Riviera. This memoir captures her unique experience as an American woman navigating the opulent and often perilous world of French politics and high society.
Married to Jacques Médecin, a Medici Count known affectionately as “King Jacquou,” Ilene found herself at the center of a century-old political dynasty. Together, they mingled with royals, celebrities, and influential figures, sharing their social circle with the likes of Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Their life was nothing short of extraordinary, resembling the enchanted pages of a storybook Camelot.
However, this fantasy existence took a dramatic turn, leading Ilene from the heights of societal acclaim to the depths of a French prison cell. Amidst trysts and scandals, nothing prepared her for the downfall of a prominent political family and her eventual arrest for her husband’s alleged wrongdoings. Jacques’s stellar political career came to a puzzling end in political exile in Uruguay, far removed from his former stature as Mayor of Nice, President of Alpes-Maritimes, French Minister of Tourism, and Member of Parliament.
Join Ilene Médecin as she shares her fascinating journey through triumph and turmoil, offering an intimate glimpse into a world where few have ventured. This is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the unpredictable turns of fate.
FROM BEVERLY HIGH TO POLITICAL EXILE Ilene Graham Médecin Discusses Her New Memoir: Arrested: A Memoir of the American First Lady of Nice, France and the French Riviera
“Arrested” delves into Ilene’s personal account of living as the wife of a powerful French politician, navigating the treacherous waters of scandal and political intrigue. Her memoir reveals the resilience and strength required to endure public scrutiny, personal loss, and unexpected incarceration. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the unpredictable turns of fate.
“I want them to understand that you cannot understand
the world unless you see it. You can’t be so opinionated when you haven’t done something first-hand”
Join Ilene Médecin as she shares her fascinating journey through triumph and turmoil, offering an intimate glimpse into a world where few have ventured. This memoir is not just a story of glamour and scandal but a powerful narrative of survival, resilience, and the complexities of life in the public eye.
