Sophie Thalmann, you (and your Miss France 98 scarf) were absent from the Miss France 2024 election during which a tribute was paid to Geneviève de Fontenay, who died last August at the age of 90, why ?
“When TF1, the producer and Cindy Fabre, the president of the Miss France Committee, told me that they wanted to pay tribute to Mme de Fontenay, it seemed obvious to me that they should do something.”
So why didn’t you participate, if it was obvious to you ?
“In recent years, I had a somewhat special relationship with M.me from Fontenay, unfortunately. Over the years, we lost touch, we had complicated relationships all this time. Geneviève was someone who had a strong character. And I didn’t get along with his son, so that didn’t help. I would not have been in my place for this tribute. I should have done it while she was alive, but once she was gone I wasn’t going to come and act as if nothing had happened. I declined the invitation. That doesn’t stop her from being in my heart. I was frank with the production in saying that I didn’t feel in my place to pay tribute in that way. I would have preferred a nice report broadcast after the election.
What is the origin of your disagreement with Geneviève de Fontenay? ?
There were several things, but from the moment I knew my husband (Editor’s note Christophe Soumillon), it’s been 20 years, she criticized me, she criticized him, we no longer spoke .
Did you still watch the show? ?
Yes, with family, in Bar-le-Duc, I was with my parents. Lots of people sent messages to my parents to say “but why isn’t there Sophie?” “.
What did your father answer? ?
Sophie is with us!
What did you think of this election? ?
A magnificent, grandiose show. It’s good to see shows like this given the situation. It was a very beautiful spectacle.
And Miss Lorraine’s table dress ?
Looking back, reading Miss Lorraine’s statements, I am happy for her that she had a lot of humor. I wouldn’t have liked to be in his place. When I saw her, I told myself that she was going to get taken down. In two seconds it goes around the web.
You would have worn such a dress ?
I think if it had been offered to me I would have refused.
Do you remember your regional costume ?
In my time they were very traditional costumes with the Phrygian cap, the clogs, the blue, white and red cockade side. I think it’s a very good idea to open up to creators, so that they can express themselves.
During your reigning year did you have any wardrobe surprises? ?
Yes. In the suitcase for Miss Universe, Geneviève had slipped me a green dress, it looked like fake grass, carpet. The Cetelem man before his time. I don’t remember wearing it.
Do you watch the election every year? ?
After my title, for years I was unable to watch. Afterwards, it’s difficult. We are not prepared. By July, I had understood that my end was near. As my dream was to do television, I had to fight for it behind it, to prove that I had the abilities, that I was not just a Miss.
What’s your news ?
I still have my My Friends the Horses collection in the Pink Library which is doing very well, volume 44 will be released in February. And then there is a project with my husband, the pony academy.
Are you still part of the Les Bonnes Fées association, this association created by several Misses which helps those who need it?
Yes always. I had completely cut ties with the Miss France committee, the contacts that I resumed with the former Miss France were through the association. It allowed me to get to know the new generation.