Ursula Andress, the iconic Bond Girl who emerged from the sea in a white bikini in 1962's Dr No, has been left 'devastated' after losing an estimated £16 million of her fortune to her late asset manager, Eric Freymond. As she marks her 90th birthday, the actress has spoken of her anger and anxiety over the alleged fraud.
According to Swiss publication Blick, Freymond is accused of losing the money through questionable transactions, including unauthorised art purchases. Andress, whose net worth was estimated at £18 million, filed a criminal complaint in January, alleging embezzlement. 'For eight years, I was courted and wooed. They lied to me ruthlessly and exploited my goodwill and trust,' she told Blick.
Freymond, who also faced allegations of embezzling from Hermes heir Nicolas Puech, confessed to some charges during an interrogation in Paris last July. Two weeks later, he took his own life. The artworks allegedly bought with Andress's money are now in his wife Caroline's name, though she is not suspected of wrongdoing.
Andress said the ordeal has left her unable to sleep and suffering from anxiety. 'This feeling of helplessness is unbearable – it's killing me,' she confessed. The star, who prided herself on saving for a peaceful retirement, added: 'I've been disgustingly cheated! I hope the perpetrators are punished to the full extent of the law.'
Her management stated that the fraud was 'of exceptional scale and complexity' and that the Vaud cantonal judicial authorities are investigating. Andress declined further comment due to ongoing proceedings.
