A model's descent into crime. Lionel Clerc's journey from fame to jail
Lionel Clerc contends that beauty led him down a ruinous path. After stepping into the modelling world, his moral compass began to sway towards a progressively more extravagant lifestyle. The consequences, as he soon learned, were harsh.
It's easy to tumble from a lofty position, as several individuals entangled in the merry-go-round of show business have discovered. Lionel Clerc's tale, however, is a tad more convoluted. His former partner, Claudia, played a significant role in his downfall.
Lionel Clerc’s dream of conquering the world
Lionel Clerc is the model who clinched the Vice Mister of Switzerland title in 2007. His name became a household one. This victory marked a significant shift in his life. He had been preparing to become a financier in California, but his escalating modeling career redirected his priorities.
As he traversed the globe, his primary goal was to maintain his tan, fundamental to his profession. However, his fascination with the glamorous and luxurious world eventually landed him in jail. What was the cause? He was accused of fraud, document forgery, and money laundering.
In total, Clerc nicked 1.76 million Swiss francs (roughly 1.96 million USD) from his employer over a span of five years. His partner was complicit in his ensuing illegal activities, keen to uphold their luxurious lifestyle. It's worth noting that the couple resided in an apartment in Montreux during this phase.
A rise and fall tale
Presently, Clerc leads a starkly different lifestyle. He recently welcomed a son from his new relationship. Yet, he hasn't forgotten his turbulent past. He continues to repay his former employer 1,500 Swiss francs (about 1,670 USD) monthly. He revisits his past in the book "Victorious Despite the Demon", written in collaboration with journalist Pascal Pellegrino.
Clerc does not just delve into his scams but also discusses struggles with drug addiction and paranoid fears of law enforcement. He sometimes slept with a golf club nearby and hoarded a significant amount of money should he need to abscond.
One of the harshest realities of his formerly lush life was his 40th birthday. He spent it behind prison bars, eating a can of ravioli.
Who would have suspected that a famous model harboured such secrets?
