Ilene Médecin’s life is a tapestry of glamour, intrigue, and resilience. As the only American, aside from Princess Grace Kelly, to attain the esteemed position of First Lady of Nice and the French Riviera, Ilene’s story is both unique and captivating. Born and raised in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, with two famous uncles—Max Factor, the iconic cosmetic mogul, and Jake the Barber, a pivotal figure in the rise of Las Vegas—Ilene’s path to prominence seemed almost destined.

“Arrested” is a riveting memoir that takes you through Ilene’s extraordinary journey, from her star-studded upbringing to her glamorous and, at times, perilous life on the French Riviera. Marrying Jacques Médecin, a Medici Count affectionately known as “King Jacquou,” Ilene found herself at the center of a century-old political dynasty. Together, they mingled with royals, celebrities, and politicians, sharing their social circle with the likes of Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.

Ilene’s life, akin to a storybook Camelot, saw her at the pinnacle of a fantasy existence. However, this enchanting narrative took a dramatic turn, leading her from the heights of societal acclaim to the depths of a French prison cell. Amidst trysts and scandals, Ilene was unprepared for the fall of a prominent political family and her eventual arrest for her husband’s alleged misdeeds. Jacques’s career ended in a puzzling political exile in Uruguay, a stark contrast to his previous stature as Mayor of Nice, President of Alpes-Maritimes, French Minister of Tourism, and Member of Parliament.